The judge in the Miklos Verebes murder trial has summed up the evidence, telling the jury: “You must analyse the evidence coldly, calmly and dispassionately.”

Verebes, 29, denies murdering his former partner Melinda Korosi on September 15 last year, as well as three counts of raping her.

The prosecution alleges he used a sharp rock to inflict horrific injuries on the 33-year-old mother-of-two.

After the QCs in the case made their closing speeches yesterday morning, The Honourable Mr Justice Openshaw outlined the law and summarised the key evidence.

He first told the jury: "It is necessary for you to put aside your feelings of sympathy for the victim and the two little children.

"You must analyse the evidence coldly, calmly, and dispassionately and that is the route by which you should seek to return a true verdict according to the evidence.

“Don't be overawed by the seriousness of the charge.

“English juries have for centuries determined grave charges. All that the community asks of you is that you do your duty according to your oath or affirmation to return a true verdict according to the evidence.”

The judge spent two hours going over the evidence.

Outlining the background, Judge Openshaw described how Miss Korosi was a graduate English teacher who, after moving to the UK with Verebes, took jobs inappropriate for her qualifications.

After moving to Carlisle, she had worked first at the McVitie's biscuit factory and then at the city's Domino's Pizza shop in London Road.

It was in December 2015 that she first revealed problems in her relationship with Verebes - although she said she loved him.

A turning point came after he was convicted of assaulting her in July last year and she realised that they had no future together. The judge referred to her 999 call that day.

“The prosecution say it's obvious from listening to the call that she was distressed,” said the judge. He mentioned her claim that Verebes spent their money on drink and drugs.

At the time of the attack, said the judge, Miss Korosi said he did not normally behave like that.

The jury was reminded of Miss Korosi's video evidence to police when she said Verebes was controlling, jealous and possessive, on one occasion asking her: “Why do you exist or breathe?”

Judge Openshaw repeated the evidence from Miss Korosi herself when she told neighbours Verebes "used rape as a punishment”.

Her interview with police, six days before her death, was also summarised. In it, she said Verebes had a terrible temper, and would slap, strangle and overpower her.

“He did sometimes use force, even if she told him to stop,” said the judge, reminding the jury of her rape allegation. Verebes denied this, saying he and Miss Korosi loved each other.

He said she needed his protection.

The judge also reminded the jury that in November last year Verebes admitted manslaughter but later retracted this, saying he had only said that because he feared Miss Korosi's real killer.

Judge Openshaw also outlined how the defendant failed to mention in his police interview the existence of the man he says was the real killer; and how he did not mention what he said was a meeting on September 14 with Miss Korosi, when she admitted the rape allegations were false.

That may be counted against him if the jury concluded he should reasonably have mentioned it to the police; or if they thought the only sensible explanation was that he had no answer at the time.

The jury will begin their deliberations at 10.30am today.