Hostage case jury discharged

The jury was told that the farm was originally on sale for £600,000

A judge has discharged a jury trying the case of a prospective house buyer accused of taking a homeowner hostage after he raised the price of his 44-acre farm.

Stafford Crown Court was told that Lester Stacey, 39, punched and abused 55-year-old Adam Adamou after confronting him at his property at Woodseaves, Staffordshire.

Mr Stacey, from Eccleshall, Staffs, had denied a charge of assault and one of false imprisonment.

Judge David McEvoy QC decided to discharge the jury after legal arguments.

He adjourned the case until 2 June to allow prosecutors to decide whether to apply for a retrial.

The trial, which began on Thursday, had been due to finish on Friday afternoon.