A JURY in the trial of a motorist accused of frustrating a police investigation after a fatal collision in which a pedestrian died has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict.
Matthew Paul Leggett, 24, denies one charge which alleges he did acts tending and intended to pervert the course of public justice following a tragedy which occurred just before 12-30am on April 7 last year.
Carlisle Crown Court heard earlier this week how 61-year-old James Greenwood, of Market Drayton, Shropshire, died after being struck by Leggett’s BMW while trying to cross an unlit stretch of the A66 close to Braithwaite, near Keswick, on foot.
Leggett denies prosecution allegations he took steps to “avoid detection” by police in the aftermath of the tragedy. It is alleged he “abandoned” his car at the entrance to woodland and “disposed of his mobile telephone”.
A jury which heard all evidence in the case retired yesterday (THURS) to consider its verdict. Today (FRI), the forewoman confirmed that no verdict had been agreed by at least 10 jurors, and that any further time granted by the trial judge would not assist.
As a result, Judge James Adkin discharged the jury of eight women and four men.
Prosecutor Barbara Webster confirmed that a decision had been made to pursue a retrial. This is due to start at the crown court on September 30.
In the meantime Leggett, of Sonnets Way, Cockermouth, was granted bail by the judge.
