Forensic evidence does not “contradict” a Harrogate man accused of murder's account of what happened, a court has heard.

Paul Tillet was found bound and gagged on the floor of his Strawberry Dale flat by police on Sunday, September 29.

Philip Watson, 34, admitted murder at an earlier hearing.

Jason Johnson, 27, admits he was in the room when it happened but claims he did not come into physical contact with the victim. He has denied a murder charge.

The sixth day of Mr Johnson’s trial at Leeds Crown Court today (June 18) heard forensic DNA evidence from the scene of the fatal attack.

The court was told that a woman’s shirt, a pair of jeans, a cable and a towel were forensically examined for DNA.

Other items such as a pair of trainers and an aerosol can were also tested.

Simon Kealey KC, defending, told the court that forensic evidence showed that Watson had “bound Mr Tillet using clothing and a cable”.

The 34-year-old also used a Lynx deodorant can as a flamethrower to burn the victim and his DNA was found on a towel along with Mr Tillet’s blood.

Watson’s DNA was also found on the victim, the court heard.

‘No scientific findings’

A “low level” of Mr Johnson’s DNA was found on a pair of jeans, which were used to tie the victim up. However, the court heard that it “could not be determined” how it got onto the clothing.

The 27-year-old’s DNA was also found on a pair of trainers. But the forensic evidence said that this could “take us no further” than to suggest that the defendant was in the flat at the time of the fatal attack.

Mr Kealey told the court the evidence showed there were “no scientific findings” to contradict Mr Johnson’s account of the night in the Strawberry Dale flat.

Earlier in the trial, Jamie Hill KC, prosecuting, said that Mr Tillet had been subjected to a “prolonged and persistent” attack which had “elements of torture”.

Mr Hill told the court that it was the prosecution’s case that Watson was the “main offender” and carried out most of the attack.

However, he said Mr Johnson encouraged Watson to murder Mr Tillet.

In a statement during police interview, Mr Johnson accepted he was present at the attack in Mr Tillet’s flat. However, he said “at no point” did he come into physical contact with Mr Tillet and that he considered the victim a friend.

The trial continues.