Defence Starts Case In Double Murder Trial

A man accused of killing two people in Middlesbrough and Whitby has denied the charges and said, "100% I have not killed anybody''.

36 year old James Allen, is accused of murdering 81 year old Colin Dunford, and 50 year old Julie Davison, in April.

Allen, who the prosecution allege was motivated by robbery, gave evidence at Newcastle Crown Court.

Rod Hunt, defending, asked about the prosecution case against him and Allen said he found it annoying.

He said:
"It's annoying..I did not see Colin Dunford, not once after I borrowed his mobile phone.

They keep saying I'm responsible for these murders but despite all the forensics they found no blood on me ... there would have been transfer of blood but there was nothing ever found.

I know 100% I have not killed anybody or been in those properties.''

The court heard that Allen had been accused of rape which was why he had left Middlesbrough before travelling to Whitby.

He admitted being at Church Square, where Julie Davison was found dead, but said he'd been there to buy drugs and not commit murder.

During cross-examination, Robert Smith QC, prosecuting, asked Allen about a jacket which a witness said she saw him wearing and which had blood spots on it.

Allen said if he was guilty he would have disposed of it.

The trial continues and is expected to finish next week.