barrister

During the opening of the trial, Judge Edward Pepperall also addressed jurors on the absence of the defendant and barristers on his behalf.

Vial, who was described by his barrister as "a petty criminal and an alcoholic", had pleaded not guilty to the murder.

Mary Prior KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association which represents barristers, said that 110,000 sitting days was the minimum that had been needed since 2022.

The prosecution barrister said Walker "destroyed evidence" and "took steps to evade capture".

Prosecution barrister Julian Christopher KC asked Mr Jones why he had taken a half-day off work on the Friday to visit the palace, rather than waiting until the weekend.