The prosecution has given its closing address in the trial of murder-accused Gavin Gosnell, telling the jury the only rational conclusion is to find him guilty of the murder of gay teenager Hayden Miles. Gosnell has pleaded not guilty to murdering 15-year-old Miles at a Christchurch flat on 22 August, 2011. The Crown told the court today that the only rational conclusion is that when Gosnell attacked Miles he did so with murderous intent, according to reports from court. Crown lawyer Barnaby Hawes described the assault as "sadistic and ferocious", and "a form of torture". The defence has elected not to call any witnesses and has started its closing address. Defence lawyer Craig Ruane said the jury should find Gavin Gosnell guilty, but guilty of manslaughter, not of murder. The jury is expected to begin deliberating this afternoon.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 15th April 2013 - 12:00pm