The trial of a teenager accused of a double murder proceeded for a third day running at Supreme Court without the jury yesterday, 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 the evidence would resume today, but the legal discussions continued.

According to prosecutors, homeless friends Mr. Brangman, 57, and his friend Frederick Gilbert, 53, were murdered in a hut, near the Black Horse Tavern in St David's where they were sleeping that night. Dill, 19, from Fentons Drive Pembroke, denies two charges of murder.

According to prosecutor Rory Field, he 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.