Lauren Dickason trial

The judge urged the jury to be unaffected by emotion, “as difficult that may be in a case such as this”.

He encouraged them to leave any feelings of sympathy and prejudice to one side, a natural human reaction in any trial, but especially one “that involves the deaths of three little children".

"You must go about your task dispassionately … I cannot stress that enough.”

Feelings of sympathy for the children, Lauren Dickason, Graham Dickason and their families must be put to one side, he said.

“An entirely human response to three little girls being deliberately killed is outrage and horror.

"You must put that to one side to go about your task in the analytical way that is required of you."

Justice Mander said it was vital the jury ignore the intense media attention the trial had attracted, and instead focus on the evidence heard in court.