Juror's detective work ends trial

Raymond Quigley had been a taxi driver for almost 40 years

A manslaughter trial collapsed after a juror admitted undertaking his own investigation into the case.

Dale Paterson, 18, of Sunderland, was on trial over the death of a 72-year-old taxi driver who suffered a heart attack in a dispute over a fare.

But the hearing was stopped on its sixth day after it emerged a juror had visited the scene on his own and conducted other research into the case.

Judge David Hobson dismissed the jury at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.

It is alleged cabbie Raymond Quigley, of Gateshead, died in a struggle as Mr Paterson tried to flee the scene without paying in Ryhope, near Sunderland, on 2 September.

New jury

Mr Paterson, of Manila Street, Sunderland, denies manslaughter and making off without paying.

The trial collapsed after a list of more than 30 questions on the case was submitted to the judge by a juror.

The questions contained information not put to the jury by the prosecution or defence and indicated the juror must have visited the scene of the alleged manslaughter.

When questioned by the judge the juror admitted conducting his own independent inquiry.

The case is due to return to court on Tuesday, when a new jury is expected to be sworn in.