Jury unable to reach verdict in toilet rape trial

THE jury in the trial of a man accused of raping a 13-year-old girl and forcing her to perform oral sex on him failed to reach a verdict after three-and-a-half hours deliberation yesterday.

After around three hours of deliberating, the jury was told it no longer had to reach a unanimous verdict and that a 10-2 or 11-1 majority would suffice. However, the jury later indicated it would not be able to agree a majority verdict even if given more time.

“I understand you are satisfied you are not going to agree,” said Mr Justice Paul Carney. “I discharge you from further consideration of the case and I thank you for your careful consideration of the case.”