THE trial of Danilo Restivo enters what could be its final week.

After six weeks of evidence and cross-examination, prosecution and defence counsels are due to deliver their closing speeches today.

The judge, Mr Justice Burnett, is likely to give his summing up to the jury of seven men and five women on Tuesday after which the jurors will retire.

Restivo, 39 of Chatsworth Road, Charminster, denies the murder of seamstress Heather Barnett in her flat opposite, in Capstone Road, on November 12, 2002.

Heather, 48, was found by her children when they came home from school that day.

The unemployed Italian dental technician says he was on a training course at Nacro in Wallisdown Road at the time of the killing.

The prosecution also claims the Restivo was also responsible for the disappearance and murder of schoolgirl Elisa Claps in Potenza, Italy on September 12 1993 and say the circumstances of the death of both women were “strikingly similar”.

The remains of Elisa Claps were found in the loft of the main church in Potenza in March last year.

Restivo has consistently denied being responsible for the death of the 16-year-old.

In three days of cross examination by Michael Bowes QC last week, Restivo repeated: “I have never killed anyone.”