Murder bid case jury discharged

A jury hearing a case of the alleged attempted murder of a teenage girl has been discharged by the judge.

James Galloway, 18, of Claymore End in Ware, denies attempting to kill the girl, 15, on a Hertford nature reserve.

Edward Bell, also 18, of Hertford, has already pleaded guilty to the attempted murder and will be sentenced later.

Judge Michael Baker QC, at St Albans Crown Court, said that after legal arguments at the end of the prosecution case it was inappropriate to continue.

He told the four men and eight women they would be discharged.

The judge gave no precise reasons for discharging the jury but said it was likely that further proceedings would be brought against Mr Galloway.

The prosecution was given six weeks to review the evidence and bring the case back to court.