Vincent Morgan is alleged to have killed his partner Lisa Welford in the River Derwent in Malton in April.
On day six of his trial, his barrister James Bourne-Arton KC rose to start the defence case at Leeds Crown Court.
He said: “On behalf of the defendant, I can indicate we do not intend to call him or any further evidence.”
The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC asked if Morgan had been told the consequences of not giving evidence.
Mr Bourne-Arton KC said Morgan had been told.
He then closed the defence case.
Judge Kearl told the jury they could conclude that Morgan didn't give evidence because he didn't have an answer to the prosecution case that would stand up to cross-examination.
He said the defence case was that the prosecution evidence wasn't strong enough that Morgan needed to give an answer to it.
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