Jury fails to reach verdict in cousins’ ear-biting case

The jury in the case against a man on trial for biting off part of his first cousin’s ear failed to reach a verdict yesterday after almost four hours of deliberation.

Judge Donagh McDonagh initially told the jury they had to reach a unanimous verdict. He later told them a 10-2 or 11-1 majority would be acceptable.

Asked if there was any prospect of reaching a verdict if given more time, shortly before 5pm yesterday, the foreperson of the jury said no. The judge asked if they were deadlocked and she said they were.