Lawyers ask for lesser charge in twins case

Lawyers for a man and woman accused of murdering their 18-month-old twins have asked a Brisbane magistrate to downgrade the charges.

The toddlers' decomposed bodies were found in their cots in a Brisbane home in June last year.

Their 29-year-old father and 31-year-old mother are charged with murder, torture and failing to provide the necessities of life.

Lawyers for the pair told the committal hearing the murder and torture charges should be withdrawn, but that there is a case for manslaughter.

The court earlier heard from forensic pathologist Rebecca Williams.

She said the twins' cause of death was malnutrition, but it was too hard to tell how long it had lasted.

She said there was evidence the twins had received some nutrition, but it was clearly inadequate.

Magistrate Chris Callagahan will decide tomorrow whether to commit the pair to stand trial.

(Edit:Ruby)