A FORMER escort girl who hacked her businessman boyfriend to death with an axe at their luxury home was today due to begin giving evidence at a murder trial.

Jan Charlton, 36, is accused of murdering 40-year-old Danny O'Brien at Woodside Hall, Midgley, West Yorkshire, on May 23 last year.

Mr O'Brien, a former company director from Harwood, Bolton, who had sold his repair business, was discovered face down and naked on the floor of his bedroom with an axe embedded in his head.

A jury at Leeds Crown Court has heard how he was hit at least 10 times on his head and a further 10 times on his neck and upper body.

Charlton has admitted killing her partner, but denies murder.

She claims she was acting in lawful self-defence, saying Mr O'Brien threatened to kill her and her three-year-old daughter Amy as the couple were indulging in a sex session.

Charlton also claims provocation.

Last week, Robert Smith QC, defending Charlton, told the jury that his client would be his first witness today.

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