A TEENAGER killed the woman she loved in "complete and utter despair" at her partner's affair with a man, a jury was told.

Graham Morrow, prosecuting, made the comment as he outlined the case against Louise Berry, 19, who is charged with murdering Mandy Burton, 30, at their home in Moorgate Street, Blackburn.

Mrs Burton was found with her skull smashed on August 11, 2002, and died from her injuries three days later.

Berry denies murder and a further charge of actual bodily harm relating to a separate incident four days earlier when she is alleged to have hit John David Hollern with a crowbar during a late night drinking session. Mr Morrow claimed Mr Hollern was taunting Berry over the actions of Mrs Burton, who was fondling his cousin Andrew as she sat on his knee.

He said: "They were acting in a very flirtatious manner. Their hands were inside each others clothes, right in front of her.

"How was that likely to affect her? Did John Hollern say something which offended her, knowing of the lesbian relationship?"

Soon after, Berry made a tearful 999 call asking for help because she could not cope and wanted to kill her girlfriend. Mr Morrow added: "She demonstrated complete and utter despair. She was afraid and wanted to be stopped as she wanted to kill her girlfriend. She didn't know what she was capable of.

"The next few days were roller-coaster. Here was her lover still with Andrew Hollern on a number of occasions. Louise Berry and Mandy Burton were back on then back off. Louise couldn't get him out of her mind - he was right in front of her.

"She would have you believe they were idle threats. There is no other reason for her life in that she is trying to cover up her guilt. She did kill Mandy Burton, there was only one conclusion."

(Proceeding)