Pop manager faces 'bomb threat' retrial

Phillip Byrne is an ex-road manager for All Saints

A former tour manager for pop group All Saints is expected to face a retrial on charges of making hoax bomb threats.

The retrial is expected after a judge dismissed the jury at London's Southwark Crown when it failed to reach a verdict on Philip Byrne.

Mr Byrne, 43, of Bishops Briggs, Glasgow, was charged with entering three London stores, telling staff he was a member of the Real IRA and that he had planted bombs.

He denied three counts of communicating false information, offering the defence of no intent because he was under the influence of drink, and, or drugs at the time.

He said he had not remembered anything about the incident which the court was told took place on 5 October last year.

East 17

Mr Byrne told the court that he believes he may have acted completely out of character after his drinks were spiked.

As well as acting as tour manager for All Saints, Byrne also worked for boy band East 17 and Toni Braxton.

The jury informed the judge it could not reach even a majority verdict "and further time would not change some people's views".

The Crown Prosecution Service has already stated its intention of seeking a retrial.

His case will be mentioned in court again on 27 July when it expected a new trial date will be set.