The case for the defence in the trial of a Douglas man charged with murder is due to begin today (Monday).

Thirty-five-year-old Simon Paul Leece is accused of setting fire to a property in the town's Demesne Road in March last year, which resulted in the death of Terence Losh.

There have been changes to some of the other charges against Mr Leece, who will not be giving evidence.

One of arson with intent to endanger life at Demesne Road is now manslaughter.

In relation to another of the fires he's accused of starting, in Bucks Road, a ninth charge of arson has been introduced.

The jury will be instructed to return not guilty verdicts on two charges relating to that blaze.

The trial is scheduled to conclude this week.