In his closing submission, Crown Prosecutor John Ransom said Smith was trying to protect his girlfriend when he admitted to murdering Aaron Matthew Monaco. 

Smith went from being a co-accused in the Launceston Supreme Court trial to a compelled witness, Mr Ransom said. 

There were “logical difficulties” in Smith’s evidence and Mr Ransom told the jury they should reject elements of what Smith said. 

Belinda Leone Colbran has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Monaco, who died after being stabbed six times at a unit on Parua Road, Newnham in November 2016. 

The jury heard Ms Colbran “unequivocally” admit in her 67-minute police interview to stabbing Mr Monaco, Mr Ransom said.

Ms Colbran told police she got Mr Monaco a couple of times in the back and she described the knife as big and shiny with a wolf on the handle. 

But defence lawyer Todd Kovacic told the jury his client was trying to cover for “her man”, Smith. 

The court heard details about the violence and abuse Smith inflicted on Ms Colbran throughout their relationship. 

“She’s been beaten by him, she’s been choked by him … but she still remained loyal to him,” Mr Kovacic said. 

“She’s addicted to him.” 

Mr Ransom said despite that physical violence, Ms Colbran remained in a relationship with Smith and he spent several nights a week at her house. 

Police asked Ms Colbran if she admitted to the stabbing to protect Smith, but she denied those claims and reconfirmed she was the one who stabbed Mr Monaco. 

The couple were intoxicated when they arrived at the Parua Road unit the night Mr Monaco was killed, but Mr Ransom said intoxication was not an excuse. 

“People do things when they’re intoxicated that they wouldn’t do when they’re sober,” he said. 

On Tuesday, the jury was offered an alternative charge for Ms Colbran – accessory after the fact. 

Mr Ransom said it was the state’s position Ms Colbran was guilty of murder but if she is found not guilty, the jury can consider the lesser charge. 

Justice Gregory Geason will finish his final address when the trial reconvenes at 9.30am on Wednesday.