Leah jury fails to reach verdict

The jury in the case of Steven Packman, who was accused of supplying the ecstasy tablet that killed Leah Betts in November 1995, was discharged yesterday after failing to reach a verdict.

The prosecution now has three days to decide whether it will seek a retrial. Mr Packman, 18, of Pound Lane, Laindon, Essex, denies the charge. The judge at Norwich Crown Court, Mr Justice Kay, told the jury of six men and six women: "It has been obvious to me that you all paid close attention throughout the case. It is not your fault that at the end of the day you reached different views." Louise Jury