The jury in the trial of Vicky Pryce, wife of the former cabinet minister Chris Huhne, has been discharged at Southwark Crown Court after failing to reach a majority verdict as to whether Pryce was coerced by her ex-husband into accepting his speeding penalty points.
The jury of eight women and four men deliberated for 14 hours but told judge Mr Justice Sweeney they could not even reach a majority verdict. Huhne has pleaded guilty, but Pryce has pleaded not guilty on the ground of marital coercion.
Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce
Mr Justice Sweeney told the jury: "I have received your note which indicates that it is 'highly unlikely' that you are going to reach even a majority verdict.
"I am grateful for that.
"Against the background of the length of time that you have been in retirement already, I have decided therefore, and it is my decision one way or the other, that I must discharge you from any further deliberations.
"That means that your role in this case is now over."
Pryce, who will now face a retrial, showed little emotion as the judge discharged the jury, sitting with her chin in her hand.
A re-trial has been preliminarily scheduled for Monday.
SEE ALSO
- A Family Hurting Each Other Publicly and the Psychology of Revenge (BLOG)
- Chris Huhne Could Not Reduce Wife To 'Quivering Jelly' Says Prosecutor
- Vicky Pryce Told Daughter Chris Huhne 'Badgered' Her Into Taking Points
- Vicky Pryce Says Chris Huhne Pressured Her Into Having An Abortion, Court Hears
- Nick Clegg 'Understands' Calls For Chris Huhne To Lose Severance Pay
- Chris Huhne's Son Sent Furious Text Messages To Father After Attempting To Make Him Confess