Potter jury warned over sympathy

Rob Knox (right) had a small part in the new Harry Potter film

Jurors trying a man accused of killing a young actor have been told to put aside sympathy for his family when they consider their verdict.

Karl Bishop, 21, is accused of stabbing 18-year-old Rob Knox five times outside the Metro bar in Sidcup, south-east London, last year, "out of revenge".

The court heard Mr Bishop claimed he acted in self-defence and said he was attacked by Mr Knox outside the bar.

Mr Bishop, from Carlton Road, Sidcup, denies murdering Mr Knox last May.

'True verdicts'

On Thursday, Judge Mr Justice Bean began his summing-up to the Old Bailey jury, nearly three weeks after the trial started.

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He told them: "You must decide the case only on the evidence that has been placed before you.

"It is not about whether you feel sympathy for Robert Knox's parents and family.

You wouldn't be human if you didn't but it is not relevant to your decision."

He told them their duty was to give true verdicts according to the evidence, without taking prejudice or sympathy into account.

Mr Knox, from Swanley, Kent, had a part in the next Harry Potter film.

Mr Bishop, from Sidcup, denies murder and five charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

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