A Belfast man accused of killing his girlfriend and then setting fire to their flat to hide his crime was acquitted of murder yesterday by a Crown Court jury.
Mr Paul Toland (22), was also cleared of assaulting Sharon King (19), causing her actual bodily harm.
During the three week trial the State pathologist for Northern Ireland, Prof Jack Crane, told the jury he was unable to say definitely what caused Ms King's death.
Mr Toland claimed the woman had been alive when he left the flat. Mr Toland's lawyers claimed Ms King started the blaze herself and then committed suicide on the 14th anniversary of the death of her own mother, whom she believed had also committed suicide.
The jury failed to reach a verdict on two other charges of arson and perverting the course of justice. Mr Toland was released on bail while a decision is taken by the Director of Public Prosecution on the other charges.