No verdict again in trial over pram death

Twenty-year-old Stephen White, from Eglinton, in County Derry, Northern Ireland, was accused of causing the death of 20-month-old Aisling Marie Nic Suibhre, from Darlington, by dangerous driving.

The jury of six men and six women could not reach a majority verdict as to the guilt or innocence of Mr White, who was restricted to a top speed of 45mph and had passed his driving test just two months before the tragedy, on May 15, 2005.

Aisling was being pushed in a buggy by her mother, Charlene Ryan, 21, in the outskirts of Londonderry, when a car mounted the pavement and struck them. The jury had heard prosecution claims that White was trying to avoid an oncoming car when he careered into Aisling's buggy.

Along with friend Jayne Stephenson, the three had been visiting a nearby hotel to arrange a meal to celebrate Aisling's christening. She died the following day in hospital.

Miss Ryan had moved to Ireland several months prior to the tragedy to live with her boyfriend, Sean. She had been living in Londonderry, but was planning to return to Darlington with her daughter, who had been enrolled at a local nursery.

Yesterday, following deliberation over two days, the Belfast Crown Court jury informed Judge Patrick Lynch yesterday that they had gone "as far as we can go with our deliberations". They said they would not be able to resolve the stalemate even if granted further time.

Mr White now faces the prospect of a third trial. The jury at his original trial, last October, also failed to reach a verdict.

Stephen Fowler, prosecuting. said he would be taking instructions how to proceed, and Mr White was released on continuing bail until Friday, September 21, when the case will return to court.

Miss Ryan, who suffered only minor hip and pelvic injuries in the incident, was originally from Bishop Close, in the Haughton area of Darlington. Her parents, Patrick and Maeve, still live in the town.