A RE-TRIAL will take place into the case of a Tenbury Wells man accused of murder.

Ben Murphy, of Kyreside, has stood trial for the murder of Adrian Palmer but a re-trial has been ordered after the jury could not reach a verdict.

Murphy admitted the manslaughter of Mr Palmer, whose body was found by postal workers off Teme Street in the early hours of May 20, but denied murder.

The jury, which consisted of five women and seven men, deliberated at Worcester Crown Court for 14 hours over three days but was unable to reach a decision.

A provisional date has been set for the re-trial, which is expected to take place at the same court.

Judge Alistair McCreath told the jury before discharging them that: "Very often, understandably, when this happens the phrase is used that the jury failed.

"This is unfair as you have not failed you have just been unable to do it. You have listened to this serious case with considerable attention."

Judge McCreath, who is expected to preside over the re-trial, told Murphy: "The jury's inability to reach a verdict in your case means there will have to be a re-trial. If there is a new one it will on October 1."

After the trial Adrian's uncle Steve Palmer said: "It has been stressful but it is only fair that it goes to a re-trial if the jury could not make their mind up."

Murphy has been remanded in custody and the re-trial is expected to last around one week.

The trial, which was adjourned last Friday, ran for three weeks over a four week period.