THE jury in the trial of a teenage girl accused of participating in the ‘ruthless’ murder of a Weston man are considering their verdict today (Thurs).

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has denied murdering Mark Roberts last year on Weston’s Bournville estate.

Ryan Sheppard, aged 18, of Sunnyside Road, pleaded guilty to murder at an earlier hearing.

Mr Roberts, aged 35, was found injured in Baildon Road in the early hours of October 12 and died the following day.

The teenage girl was part of a group of four teenagers who encountered Mr Roberts as he returned home from a night with friends at a social club, and is alleged to have punched him twice during the fatal assault.

She admitted filming the attack on her mobile phone, which the prosecution says was an encouragement to Sheppard as he kicked and stamped on Mr Roberts, and makes her criminally responsible for his death.

For more, pick up a copy of today’s (Thurs) Mercury and keep an eye on the Mercury website for news on the verdict.