A homeless man accused of murdering his lover and her friend has decided not to give evidence.

Oxford Crown Court heard today that James Cox, 63, had decided not to take to the stand in his own murder trial.

Cox is accused of killing fellow squatters Sian Sanchez, 36, and Howard Blake, 51, by setting fire to Redbridge Cottage in Old Abingdon Road, Oxford, in January last year.

Summing up the prosecution case, Adrian Redgrave said: "One of the pieces of evidence which is singularly lacking in this case is evidence from the man accused.

"He is the one who knows and he is the one who stays put where he is. If somebody is charged - particularly with crimes as serious as this - and they are not guilty and have evidence to give about that, you would think that wild horses would not keep him sitting where he is."

Mr Redgrave said Cox, who denies murder, was seen on security cameras close to the cottage about the time of the fire and had a motive.

The court had earlier heard Cox had sex with Mrs Sanchez before Mr Blake arrived about 12.30am and forced his way in.

Earlier in the trial, Stephen Mejzner, defending, said a discarded cigarette could have started the blaze.

The trial continues.