Jordan worker jurors discharged

The jury was dismissed after press reports of Jordan's comments

The jury has been dismissed in the case of a woman accused of benefit fraud while working for glamour model Jordan.

A Lewes Crown Court official said Judge Charles Kemp expressed concerns that Joanne Hillman, 34, would not receive a fair trial and the jury was discharged.

It followed press reports of comments made in court by Jordan, who could be recalled to give more evidence.

Miss Hillman, of Woodingdean, Brighton, denies three counts of dishonesty. A retrial is expected in March 2008.

The case was brought by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Miss Hillman, of Cowley Drive, who initially worked as a stable hand for the model, whose real name is Katie Price, is accused of falsely claiming benefits from 2003 to 2005.

She is accused of dishonestly failing to promptly notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Brighton council that she was working, knowing it would affect her entitlement to income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Miss Hillman pleaded not guilty to three counts of failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances.