Falconio jury set to retire to consider verdict

DARWIN - A jury is today expected to retire to consider its verdict in the trial of Bradley John Murdoch accused of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio.

Northern Territory Chief Justice Brian Martin will deliver his final instructions to the jury in the nine-week trial this morning.

He will then send them out to consider their decision.

Broome mechanic Bradley John Murdoch, 47, has pleaded not guilty in the NT Supreme Court to murdering Mr Falconio beside the outback Stuart Highway, near Barrow Creek, four years ago.

He has also denied assaulting Mr Falconio's girlfriend Joanne Lees and depriving her of her liberty in July 2001.

The high-profile trial has heard from 85 witnesses and included more than 300 exhibits.

- AAP