THE jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering his daughter by driving into a Worcestershire river has retired to consider its verdict.

Chris Grady, aged 42, drove into the river Avon in Evesham, on February 11, last year, with children Gabby and Ryan in the car.

Gabby, aged five, who was trapped underwater for two hours, died in hospital three days later. Ryan, now seven, was rescued by police officers.

The trial at Birmingham Crown Court has been told how in the days leading up to the incident Grady was evicted from his flat in Evesham and had argued with the children’s mother Kim Smith about having contact with them.

Grady has said he could not remember driving into the river nor writing a number of suicide notes which were found in the footwell of the car.

He said it was an accident and he had never intended to kill himself or his children.

Graham Reeds QC, prosecuting, said the notes demonstrated a degree of pre-planning and forethought about what Grady was intending to do. One addressed to Kim Smith said: “You led me to this my kids with me now.”

The jury were sent home yesterday and will continue their deliberations today.

Grady, of no fixed address, denies murder and attempted murder.

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