Paul Retallick murder trial: Former partner breaks down in court

A mother who sobbed as she tried to describe the events leading up to her former partner's death in Langport last year is due to continue giving evidence today.

Heidi McGinty, 26, of Ilminster, broke down in Bristol Crown Court yesterday as she was asked to recall what happened in the minutes before Paul Retallick, 35, was found dead at her previous home on Iris Way.

Her father Michael Frank McGinty, 55, and brother Lee Michael McGinty, 25, both of Peony Road, Langport, deny murdering the father-of-three on Sunday, September 16, last year.

Miss McGinty was visibly distressed as she answered questions from Peter Coombe, prosecuting, and at one point told the court she "was going to be sick".

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Mr Justice Burnett agreed to allow the court to hear the rest of her evidence from a recording of an interview she did with the police four days after Mr Retallick's death. This was adjourned until today.

Miss McGinty is also expected to appear in court via video link to be cross-examined by Michael Fitton and Adam Vaitilingam, counsel for the defendants.

Mr Justice Burnett told the jury yesterday: "She won't be in the witness box. It was obvious the stress and strains were too great."

Both defendants deny murder.

The trial continues and is expected to last up to three weeks.

See tomorrow's Western Gazette for a full report of the first two days of the trial.