A MURDER-trial jury was today considering its verdict in the case of a teenager accused of smashing a man's skull with a television stand.

Damien Fiocca, 19, of Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn, denies murdering Andrew Rawes, 29, on October 14 last year after a row over noise.

During cross examination last week, Fiocca admitted hitting Mr Rawes, of Pringle Street, Audley, once with the television stand, although he said he did not intend to hurt or kill him.

However the key prosecution witness, 16-year-old Karim Bahm, of Lambeth Street, Audley, had told the jury days earlier that he saw Fiocca 'flip' and smash the stand at least six times on Mr Rawes.

Judge Peter Openshaw QC, Recorder of Preston, yesterday told the jury of eight men and four women that they had three options.

He said they could find Fiocca guilty of murder, manslaughter, or not guilty on the grounds that he was acting in self-defence.

The court has heard that a row erupted when Fiocca and a friend were making a lot of noise in Pringle Street in the early hours.

Mr Rawes was said to have told them to be quiet from an upstairs window or he would come down and shut them up.

Fiocca told the court he challenged Mr Rawes to do just that and the two had a confrontation on the step.

Witnesses claimed that Mr Rawes punched Fiocca in the face, before fleeing into the house.

(Proceeding)