Jury in rape trial of cricketer Alex Hepburn fails to reach verdict
Alex Hepburn, who denies two counts of rape, is bailed as prosecutors are granted two weeks to decide whether to seek a retrial.
Friday 11 January 2019 18:03, UK
The jury in the trial of a cricketer accused of raping a woman in his teammate's bed has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict.
Ex-Worcestershire star Alex Hepburn, 23, denied attacking the alleged victim, who cannot be named, after she had sex with England Lions batsman Joe Clarke following a night out in April 2017.
The jury deliberated for more than nine hours following a five-day trial at Worcester Crown Court.
After Judge Jim Tindal discharged the panel, prosecutors were granted a two-week period to decide whether to seek a retrial.
Hepburn, who was born in Australia and lives in Worcester, was bailed and a provisional retrial date was listed for 8 April.