THE jury in an ongoing murder trial is not sitting today.

A member of the jury in the trial of Debbie Pereira and Benjamin Atkins has fallen sick.

Pereira, 39, and Atkins, 49, are currently facing trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of murdering Simon Shotton in Boscombe last summer.

Mr Shotton's severed legs were found at the Manor Steps zig zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive, on August 26.

His arms were found at the defendants' home address in Aylesbury Road, Boscombe, on September 2.

His headless torso was found in Boscombe Chine Gardens on September 6.

At a court hearing on February 16 of this year, Atkins admitted to burning Mr Shotton’s head and disposing of the fragments in Walpole Lane in Boscombe.

A search was carried out of Walpole Lane on February 28, and skull fragments were discovered.

In giving evidence in court, Atkins said he had killed Mr Shotton in a fight by hitting his head with a Bluetooth speaker.

He told the jury he was acting in self defence because he was fearful Mr Shotton was ‘going to kill him’.

He also admitted to dismembering Mr Shotton’s body, burning his head and dumping the rest of his body parts around Boscombe.

In her evidence, Pereira recalled seeing a fight break out between Mr Shotton and Atkins but had “panicked” and ran out the room.

She said she had no involvement in killing Mr Shotton, dismembering him, or disposing of his body parts.

Atkins has admitted to charges of perverting the course of justice, and preventing the burial of a corpse, but denies murder.

Pereira denies perverting the course of justice, preventing the burial of a corpse, and murder.

The jury is due to return on Monday.