A JURY is considering its verdict in the trial of company boss John Butler.

Butler, 62, the boss of Kettley’s Furniture Centre in Yeadon, denies murdering his partner of 40 years, Pauline Butler, on April 14.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to her manslaughter.

Mrs Butler, 61, was knifed to death at her flat in Cherry Lea Court, Rawdon.

The couple, who have three grown-up sons, had recently separated, the trial at Leeds Crown Court has heard.

Butler (pictured), of Larkfield Road, Rawdon, has told the jury he stabbed Mrs Butler in an “explosion of rage” after she threatened to stop weekly outings with their grandchild.

He said he did not mean to kill or seriously injure her.

Jurors retired to begin their deliberations at 2.35pm yesterday and have been asked to return to the court tomorrow as the trial is not sitting today.

The case continues.