THE boss of a North-East security firm cleared of attempted murder last month, but who still faces two other charges, was told yesterday that his retrial would take place as soon as possible.
Judge Peter Fox told Teesside Crown Court it was a matter of considerable urgency to have the retrial of George Doneathy held soon.
Mr Doneathy, 35, was cleared of a charge of attempted murder by a jury at Teesside Crown Court. He was found not guilty of trying to kill his former business partner, Martin Manderville, 39, with a sawn-off shotgun.
The jury failed to reach verdicts on two other charges faced by Mr Doneathy - causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to cause an offence. He denies both charges.
Judge Fox said Mr Doneathy would stand trial away from Teesside, because of the publicity the original trial attracted locally.
The court heard that Mr Doneathy, a father-of-four, of Appley Close, Eaglescliffe, Yarm, near Stockton, had been in custody since February 28 last year.
He was remanded in custody.
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