The crown has wrapped its case in the trial of Russell John Tully, and the 49-year-old has elected to not call evidence in his own defence.

In total, the crown called 73 witnesses at the High Court trial, where Tully is accused of shooting dead two Ashburton Work and Income staff in September 2014.

Once the Crown case wrapped up, Justice Cameron asked Tully whether he wanted to call any witnesses.

"Not without instructive legal council your honour," Tully  said.

The double murder accused has spent the full day in court - the first time since the trial has started.

He is surrounded by three prison services officers, and is handcuffed to a chair in the middle of the court room.