The trial of a teenager accused of committing a double murder proceeded at Supreme Court yesterday for the fourth day running without the jury, as lawyers thrashed out issues.

Darronte Dill went on trial last Tuesday but Chief Justice Richard Ground sent the jury away on Thursday morning, saying points of law needed to be discussed in their absence. It had been anticipated that evidence would resume on Monday, but the legal discussions continued.

It's anticipated that the jury will return tomorrow.

Prosecutors say homeless friends Mr. Brangman, 57, and Frederick Gilbert, 53, were murdered near the Black Horse Tavern in St David's. The two were sleeping in a hut when the incident occurred in the early hours of September 21, 2008. Dill, 19, of Fentons Drive, Pembroke, denies two charges of murder.

According to prosecutor Rory Field, Dill played a part in attacking Mr. Brangman, who was hit in the head and face and stabbed four times. He's also said to have been involved in attacking Mr. Gilbert, who was stabbed 13 times. Mr. Field has explained that Dill may have acted with others.

Mr. Brangman's body was subsequently set on fire in the hut. Mr. Gilbert is said to have escaped into the water nearby before dying of injuries sustained in the attack. The jury has heard that the victims were of no fixed abode and were known to sleep in the hut during the summer months.