A TRIAL into the killing of Christopher Lemonius at a Blackbird Leys alleyway has entered its closing stages after a jury was sent out to consider its verdict.

Jason Needham, of Kingsland Court, Luton, denies one count of murder.

Prosecutors at Oxford Crown Court allege that the 27-year old was part of a gang of men that 'hacked and beat' Mr Lemonius to death at a house on Jourdain Road on the night of June 1 last year.

Needham claims that he was never party to any violence and that on the night he had already fled the scene 'in panic' from unknown assailants.

From the witness box he denied any involvement in the killing or being present at the scene.

Earlier in the trial the jury was told that a number of other men had already been convicted in relation to the killing.

Over the last two days jurors have heard closing speeches from prosecutors and defence teams representing Needham, about the case.

After Judge Ian Pringle QC, who has presided over the trial, gave his final summary and legal directions, jurors were sent out to consider their verdict at about 12.30pm.