Thread by @bbcsimonwarr

Back in Newcastle Crown Court live tweeting from the #CarlBeech trial: afternoon session.

Defence barrister will complete his closing address this afternoon. The judge will take approximately one and a half days to deliver his directions. Jury will start deliberations on Monday.

Defence counsel: ‘In 2015 Beech began to have doubts about continuing his claims.’

His barrister suggests this is ‘incompatible with a greedy liar, in it only for a pay out.’

‘In February 2015 Beech claimed in communication with the police that the whole case was having a deleterious effect on his health. Once again, this is inconsistent with a mendacious money-grabber,’ defence counsel suggests.

Defence counsel tells the jury Beech had said: ‘What's the point in carrying on with my case? I'm getting very upset. I wish I'd never spoken out about all this.’

‘After Harvey Proctor’s extreme reaction, Beech wanted to remove himself from the case.’

Defence barrister turns to 'Aubrey' and 'John'.

‘Beech has alleged ‘Aubrey’ was a part of the grotesque abuse which had taken place.

He claimed he gave Aubrey's name in place of John’s.’

Suggests he did this because he was protecting John who had moved on with his life.

‘People often do not want to come forward after having been abused. That's why Beech has been reluctant to use people's real names.

Is it so surprising that Beech made up people?’

‘He knew in his own mind he was an abuse victim and may have felt desperately alone. Hence, he may have invented other people to support his claims. Not so surprising under the circumstances.’

‘Basic truths may have been embellished. That doesn't make the main allegations false.

The pen knife which he said he'd been threatened with by Harvey Proctor, was, according to Beech's wife, kept in the home "happy box". Don't read too much into this,’ says Counsel.

‘What about all the injuries and burns Beech claimed to have suffered over the years? Many would not have left permanent scars. No fractures on skull or chest, however. But Beech may have thought he'd broken bones.’

‘Even if he did exaggerate his injuries, this doesn't mean he was not seriously abused.

In September 2015 Beech says he is going to withdraw from the case.

Beech is frightened of publicity and says he's devastated.’

‘In October 2015 he agrees to stay on board but at a distance.

In March 2016, the Met says there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.’

Counsel for the defence has just ended his closing address to the jury.

The judge says that he will start his directions to the jury at 12 noon tomorrow (Thursday). I will be live tweeting.

As I’m reporting on the proceedings from court I won’t be making any personal observations on the #CarlBeech trial until after the jury has returned its verdict.