The jury retired for a fifth day last night to consider its verdict in the Billie-Jo Jenkins murder retrial.

Former deputy head teacher Sion Jenkins denies murdering his 13-year-old foster daughter in February 1997.

She was battered to the head by a metal tent peg as she painted patio doors at the familys home in Hastings.

Jenkins, 48, of Lymington, Hants, was jailed for life for murder in 1998 but is being retried following an appeal. Jurors were later sent home for the night after failing to reach a verdict and will resume deliberations today.