A jury has retired in the case of a group of people accused of torturing and killing a man.

After a number of days of summing up in the case, Judge Michael Lawson QC sent jurors at Hove Crown Court out today at around 2.45pm to consider their verdict.

It follows the death of Michael Griffiths, 59, of Old Glebe, Fernhurst, in January last year.

Mr Griffiths, an antiques dealer, was found bound and dead in his burning home.

He had been beaten and set alight.

Zack Cowdrey, of Meadway, Staines, has admitted manslaughter, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to burgle, but denies murder.

He stands trial alongside Simon Penton, 27, of Sunbury, who has admitted conspiracy to burgle homes in Loxwood, Poynings, Godalming in Surrey and Mr Griffiths’ home but denies murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Kerry Rudder, 43, of the same address, denies murder, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to burgle a home in Loxwood.

Damian Krafft, of High Street, Shepperton, denies murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Harvey Mumford, of Monks Way, Staines, has admitted conspiracy to burgle homes in Loxwood, Poynings, Godalming in Surrey and Mr Griffiths’ home, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in relation to the fire.

John Bartholomew, 72, of Centurion House, Portsmouth, denies murder and conspiracy to commit burglaries in Loxwood, Fernhurst and Poynings.

Rebecca Rogers, 39, of Pool End Close, Shepperton, denies conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.