Terence Finlay was stabbed to death at the house where he lodged with Beryl Jackson and Gerald Prosser. Only one - or both - of these people could have committed the crime. The prosecution argue they jointly killed the victim whom they had manipulated and financially exploited for some time. However each defendant protests their innocence and claims the other was solely responsible. Both defendants admit to criminal pasts and have to explain how large sums of money entered their bank accounts around the time similar amounts were withdrawn by Finlay.

Beryl Jackson admits she was a former prostitute and Gerald Prosser was her pimp. Charles Lotterby claims Terence Findlay withdrew £2,000 and payments of that amount went into her bank. Findlay was told to leave on the night of his death.

Gerald Prosser says Jackson and Finlay lived as a couple until he moved in as a lodger. Jackson bled Finlay dry and when there was no more money and he wouldn't leave, she killed him. Prosser denies either killing him or taking any money.