Bristol Crown Court heard that Bretton and Mr Hurcombe had both, at different times, been in relationships with Ms Saunders, from Portishead, North Somerset. Prosecution argued that Mr Bretton was the one who drilled holes in Mr Hurcombe’s tyres on December 30 before the day of his death. It was heard that Mr Bretton allegedly attacked Mr Hurcombe with the sword while he was climbing into his lorry. However, when describing Bretton, Mr Langdon said: "In terms of negative things to say about him [Mr Bretton] you can fill your boots. Mr Langdon summarised by saying the prosecution submits the evidence falls short of proving that Bretton had any intent to kill Mr Hurcombe.