An accused killer's police interview was a chance for the Launceston Supreme Court jury to see into the soul of a devastated man, a court has heard.
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Mark Rodney Jones has pleaded not guilty to murdering Bradley Breward at a Newnham unit on New Year's day in 2017.
The accused's lawyer Greg Richardson told the jury his client gave incredible detail about what happened at the unit and afterwards.
"You can rely on what he is saying," Mr Richardson said.
THE TRIAL
Mr Jones took responsibility and showed remorse throughout the two-hour police interview in February 2017, Mr Richardson said.
On the seventh day of the trial, Mr Richardson analysed what Mr Jones' intended, foresaw or ought to have known about what happened in lead up to Mr Breward's death.
Mr Jones was searching for his Nissan Patrol after the uninsured car was stolen from Westbury Road.
After Facebook posts and flyers were distributed offering a reward for the return of the car, the court heard Mr Jones was told Mr Breward was responsible for the theft.
THE TRIAL
- DAY 4 AM: Jury visits unit where Bradley Breward allegedly killed
- DAY 4 PM: Mark Jones and two other men tried to give Bradley Breward CPR
- DAY 5 AM: Bradley Breward's injuries detailed by forensic pathologist
- DAY 5 PM: Mark Jones didn't leave unit in fear of looking like a 'goose'
- DAY 6: Prosecutor says jury can be satisfied Mark Jones guilty of murder
Tina Robertson, the girlfriend of Mr Breward's friend Cody Lee, gave Mr Jones' the alleged victim's location for $1000.
Mr Jones went to the unit where Mr Breward was sleeping and tortured him to death, the court heard.
The defence lawyer asked the jury to stop and consider why Mr Jones would intend to or choose to kill the only person on earth who knew where the Patrol was.
Mr Breward was defiant during Mr Jones' interrogation about the car, the court heard.
But Mr Richardson suggested Mr Breward admitted he was responsible for stealing the car.
The court heard Mr Breward told Mr Jones he didn't know anything about his stolen Hilux, but when Mr Jones said his car was the Patrol, Mr Breward said "oh".
Mr Richardson described Mr Breward's death as a tragic accident.
"This was a tragedy for the young man who died ... for Mr Jones, and his family," Mr Richardson said.
Mr Breward died after allegedly having a plastic bag held over his head for 40 seconds.
Mr Jones, his employee Ricky Izard and Mr Lee tried to give the 22-year-old CPR, the court heard.
Mr Richardson said why would his client carry out CPR if his intention was to kill Mr Breward.
After the unsuccessful attempt at CPR Mr Breward's body was wrapped up, weights were tied around the body and was dumped at Melrose Quarry.
The jury was given an alternative verdict of manslaughter on Tuesday.
When summing up the case, Justice Robert Pearce told the jury they could only consider the crime of manslaughter if they'd reached a not guilty verdict for murder.
Justice Pearce also said a guilty murder verdict must be unanimous, but after six hours of deliberating a verdict for the lesser charge could be accepted if there was a majority.
The jury will begin deliberations today.
