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Jury considers verdict in Zoe case

It was sent to the jury room at Bristol Crown Court after the judge, Mr Justice Eady, took nearly an hour to conclude his summing-up on the 12th day of the trial.

The judge told the eight women and four men on the jury that they should strive to bring in a unanimous verdict.

They could only find the 24-year-old soldier guilty or not guilty, he said, adding: "There is no question of a halfway house."

Mr Evans, of Pepper Place, Warminster, Wiltshire, denies murdering Zoe on January 11 last year.

The prosecution has alleged that he took the youngster from the family's home at night, attacking and murdering her outside before burying her in an animal hole on Battlesbury Hill, just over half-a-mile from the house.

Police found Zoe's naked and decomposing body six weeks later.

The prosecution has said the child suffocated after her crop-top garment was pushed into her mouth and from the effects of inhaling her blood after Mr Evans shattered her nose with a blow from his fist.

Mr Evans has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Relevant Stories

Zoe's stepfather faked concern, trial told (16 Mar 98 | UK)
Stepfather goes on trial over Zoe's death (16 Mar 98 | UK)

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