This has been one of the most intensively covered trials in UK legal history, thanks to the Daily Echo’s Twitter feed.

Echo reporters Andy Martin, Paula Roberts and Steve Smith have between them covered every day of the case, sending out dozens of tweets each day in real time as the evidence unfolded minute by minute, nearly 2000 tweets.

Twitter users from all over the world followed our extensive coverage of the trial via @echonewsdesk, along with police officers, the legal teams and members of both the Barnett and Claps families and Dorset’s Chief Constable, Martin Baker.

Trial judge Mr Justice Burnett granted our application saying the use of Twitter by the press was something that was being tested in different courts.

He added: “Our interest is of course fair and accurate reporting and there are circumstances where reporting direct from the court, if it’s done discreetly, can actually aid that process.”