Juror discharged in Lin family murder case

A juror deciding the case of Robert Xie, who is accused of murdering five members of his brother-in-law's family, has been discharged.

A juror in the case of Robert Xie (pic), accused of the Lin family murders, has been discharged. (AAP)

A juror hearing the long-running Lin family murder trial in the NSW Supreme Court has been discharged.

Justice Elizabeth Fullerton told the other jury members of the decision on Monday.

The crown alleges Robert Xie was driven by intense bitterness and hatred when he crept into his brother-in-law's North Epping home, in Sydney's north, in the early hours of July 18, 2009.

Once inside, it is alleged he murdered Min "Norman" Lin, 45, Mr Lin's wife, Yun "Lily" Li Lin, 44, and their sons Henry, 12, and Terry, nine, with a hammer-like weapon.

He is also alleged to have killed Lily's sister, Yun Bin "Irene" Lin, 39.

Xie has pleaded not guilty to the murders and his trial continues.