Drummer trial jury sent home

David Holland is being tried at Northampton Crown Court

A jury trying the former drummer of rock band Judas Priest who denies trying to rape a teenager has been sent home for the night after failing to agree a verdict.

David Holland faces one charge of attempted rape and five counts of indecently assaulting the youngster - who has special needs - when he was 17.

All of the alleged offences are said to have taken place at the drummer's Northamptonshire home between June and December 2002.

Mr Holland's co-accused, Spiros Laouitaris, 22, faces four separate charges of indecently assaulting the same teenager.

Mr Holland, 55, of The Green, Stoke Bruerne, and Mr Laouitaris, of Bourne Crescent, Kings Heath, Northampton, deny all the charges.

Northampton Crown Court has heard that the alleged assaults began in spring 2002 when the boy, who was having drumming lessons, began staying at Mr Holland's cottage.

Mr Holland denies having any sexual interest in the teenager and called the charges "ridiculous".

The jury was ordered to continue its deliberations on Friday.