THE JURY in a murder trial was asked to retire to consider its verdict.

Daniel Macleod, 37, is accused of stabbing Abdul Deghayes, 22, in Elm Grove, Brighton.

The labourer is accused of stabbing Mr Deghayes eight times in a “short, but vicious” attack in February.

It happened in the darkness outside the Hanover Court flats, and left the community in shock.

Adam Feest QC, prosecuting at Hove Crown Court, said it was a “frenzied” attack that could have been in revenge for an alleged sleight by Abdul Deghayes against Macleod.

He told jurors that Macleod had made no comment to police at interview, and has waited to twist his story to fit the facts of the case.

Macleod claims to have acted in lawful self defence and alleges that Abdul Deghayes tried to rob him.

Stephen Burns, 55, of Lennox Street, Brighton, is accused of helping Macleod to leave the scene, change clothes, and get out of Brighton in a new vehicle. He denies assisting an offender.

Edward Henry QC, defending, claimed Mr Deghayes was the aggressor, and was “notorious” for possessing a knife and weapons.

He also claimed the main prosecution witness Colby Broderick had told lies and had threatened Macleod.

Mrs Justice Parmjit Cheema-Grubb, a High Court Judge, asked the jury to consider its verdict on Friday afternoon.

They are expected to resume talks on Monday.

Macleod, of Gypsy Road, Lambeth, denies murder.