THE jury trying the case of a man accused if murdering an 85-year-old Hampshire grandmother in her own home have been sent home for the weekend.

Judge Mr Justice Bean sent the six men and women home after three hours spent deliberating their verdicts at Winchester Crown Court today.

Jamie Boult, 25, of Chessel Crescent, Bitterne, denies murdering Delia Hughes on August 18 last year at her home in Atlantic Close, Ocean Village, Southampton. He admits killing her on the grounds that he was not of sound mind at the time.

The pensioner was killed with a lump hammer, suffering at least eight blows to her head.

Boult also denies a second charge of aggravated burglary following a break in at his neighbours home on August 14.

Proceeding.