Brighton rape case jury retires

The jury has retired in the Stephen Edwards rape case at Hove Crown Court and has been sent home for the weekend.

Edwards, 48, of Merevale, in Brighton, is charged with two counts of rape.

He is accused of raping Pauline Jenkins, 46, at her home in Woodingdean, and a woman, who cannot be named, at his Hollingdean flat.

Pauline Jenkins was found dead the morning after Edwards went to her home in Rosebery Avenue.

Post-mortem tests suggested that she died as a result of alcohol poisoning.

He denies both charges.

The jury is due to resume its deliberations on Monday (23 December).