PC Michael Darbyshire: Jurors fail to reach verdicts

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Worcester Crown CourtImage source, Google
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Michael Darbyshire has been on trial at Worcester Crown Court for seven days

Jurors have failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a West Mercia Police officer accused of rape and five counts of sexual assault.

After more than seven hours of deliberation, jurors said there was no prospect of them reaching a conclusion regarding PC Michael Darbyshire.

Judge James Burbidge QC, sitting at Worcester Crown Court, was told the Crown intends to seek a retrial.

Mr Darbyshire, 55, a former soldier, denies attacking two women.

The jurors told Judge Burbidge they would not be able to reach a decision even if they were given more time to consider the evidence.

He remains on conditional bail until a further hearing which West Mercia Police said would be in February next year.

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