Aubrey Trail, a man accused of killing and dismembering a 24-year-old woman on Monday slashed his throat and fell from his wheelchair during his murder trial in Nebraska.

The 52-year -old Trail is accused of killing Sydney Loofe before leaving her dismembered body parts in rubbish bags in 2017.

Trail and one Bailey Boswell had been charged with first-degree murder following the death of Loofe.

Just before harming himself in court on Monday, Trail had shouted: “Bailey is innocent and I curse you all”. Police officers rushed over to help as he lay bleeding on the floor of the courthouse.

Although it is still unclear what Trail used to slash his throat, his lawyers said he might have used part of a razor blade. The seriousness of his injuries has not been reported but the judge ordered the jury to return on Tuesday morning.

Officials say Trail who had suffered a stroke and two heart attacks since his arrest was taken to hospital for treatment.