Swansea: Jury fail to reach verdict in brother murder case

Swansea Crown Court had heard that the brothers' relationship was "volatile"

A man accused of murdering his older brother is to face a retrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict.

Darren Steel was on trial accused of killing Martin Steel in Swansea last year.

His body was found by their mother, covered in blood, Swansea Crown Court heard.

Jurors had deliberated for nearly 12 hours, and were discharged after they informed the judge they would be unlikely to reach a verdict.

Darren Steel, from Morriston in Swansea, had told the court the fight that led to his brother's death was in self-defence and he did not mean to kill him.

His brother's body was found at his house in Hill View Crescent, Swansea, slumped in a chair.

Jurors told Judge Paul Thomas KC that they would be unlikely to reach verdicts on which at least 10 of them agreed to the charge of murder and the alternative of manslaughter.

He had earlier been convicted of unlawfully wounding a friend, Julien Samuel, but cleared of a charge of wounding with intent in respect of him.

He was cleared of a count of actual bodily harm in respect of his partner, Dawn Begley, but was convicted of actual bodily harm in respect of Ms Begley based on admissions made during his evidence at the trial.

Judge Thomas told the jury: "I shall discharge you from further deliberations.

"These things happen and you have done your public duty.

"From time to time, juries cannot come to a verdict, and it is not a reflection on you or the way you have performed your duties."

A further hearing will be held on 8 March where a new trial date will be fixed.