Jurors in the Auckland High Court trial of a young man accused of murdering his father have begun deliberations to consider their verdict.
The man, in his 20s, admits stabbing his father outside a south Auckland home last year, but says he acted in self-defence to protect himself and his family from an abusive father.
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Prosecutors say the son acted with unreasonable force - stabbing his father six times, including a deep cut to the chest - which makes him guilty of murder.
Justice Ailsa Duffy told jurors on Friday morning they should put aside any feelings they have about domestic violence, as much of the case has centred around the father's violent past.
"I simply want to say to you that while most would disapprove of family violence, you must not let such disapproval influence decisions you have to make," she said.
If they rule out self-defence the jury will then have to decide whether or not the son had murderous intent.
On the day of the incident, the father kicked and punched his wife so severely her eye was dislodged.
The family said the father continued to threaten them so the family, including the defendant, barricaded themselves inside a house.
Defence lawyer Denise Wallwork says only once the son believed the father had left the property did he walk outside the house. The son was holding a knife.
She says the father then came out of pitch-black and punched the son. A struggle took place and the father was stabbed six times, including a deep cut to the chest which killed him.
Ms Wallwork says the son was only holding the knife as a precaution.
"The terror was real, imminent and life-threatening," she said.
Ms Wallwork says the son's fear was amplified by years of abuse, including death threats. She described the father as a "brutal bully who controlled and terrorised his family".
Prosecutor Gareth Kayes told the jury that although the father was at times violent, they should put aside their prejudice.
"To put it short, the defendant is still guilty of murder even if the person he killed was not likeable, whose actions you don't approve of," he said.
Mr Kayes says the son acted with unreasonable force, highlighting the fact the father was stabbed several times while the son had only minor injuries. He also pointed to the fact the son left the security of the house and walked outside even though police were on the way.
"He knew the weapon he was using was a knife that could have fatal consequences, but he took that risk, he carried on anyway and his father died," Mr Kaye said.
"In taking that risk he is guilty of murder."
The father was unarmed, although some family members say they believed he was carrying a weapon.
The identities of all family members, as well as other details, are suppressed.
Jurors have heard from family members, forensic experts and detectives during the trial.
Newshub.
