Vicky Pryce Trial: Jury Discharged In Chris Huhne Speeding Points Case After Failing To Reach Verdict

Vicky Pryce Jury 'Fail To Reach Verdict' And Discharged by Judge

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.

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