JURORS in a rape trial were discharged yesterday.
John Gibson, 41, was accused of raping a 28-year-old woman.
The alleged victim was due to begin her fifth day of giving evidence at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.
But during legal argument, it was concluded the case was likely to last for four weeks -double the time initially thought. Problems with jurors sitting longer than anticipated were then raised.
Judge Tony Lancaster discharged the jury and ordered a retrial on June 13.
Gibson, of Oak Crescent, Whitburn, near Sunderland, denies ten charges of rape between October 12, 2003, and February 1 last year.
He also denies a charge of harassment between September 1, 2003, and February 1, last year.
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