Vincent Tabak could have walked away from Joanna Yeates attack, court told.

(From Guardian Unlimited)

Vincent Tabak could have released his grip on Joanna Yeates's throat at any time during his "protracted and insistent attack", a jury has heard.

He could have walked away but chose not to, Nigel Lickley QC said in his closing speech at Bristol crown court.

Lickley, prosecuting, said Tabak had been in control of his actions. Yeates, who was smaller and weaker, had fought back but Tabak carried on, he said.

The prosecutor said there could be no doubt about Tabak's intention. He had held Yeates by the throat long enough to "squeeze the life out of her". Tabak had intended to kill Yeates or cause her serious harm, the jury …