Simpson trial: Jury considers its verdicts

A jury has been considering its verdicts in the case of a Maidenhead pensioner accused of three counts of arson.

Malcolm Simpson, 68, has been standing trial at Reading Crown Court since Monday last week over allegations he torched his neighbour's house twice and set fire to another neighbour's truck.

Jurors had been deliberating for almost three-and-a-half hours when they were sent home by Judge John Reddihough.

They are due to continue from 10.30am on Monday.

During the trial the court heard evidence from Simpson's ex-neighbour Alison Biggs, who claimed she was persecuted by him for months before he set fire to her Lancaster Road home twice.

It heard from members of the Bedwell family, also of Lancaster Road, whose truck was set alight.

Simpson himself has also given evidence in which he strenuously denied starting the fires.

He additionally faces three alternative counts of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The trial continues.

Read previous reports from the case below.

Update 1 - Malcolm Simpson, 68, on trial for Lancaster Road arsons

Update 2 - Simpson trial: Arson victim questioned by defence

Update 3 - Simpson trial: Neighbour claims defendant was 'obsessed' with victim

Update 4 - Simpson trial: Pensioner denies starting fires