A MAN accused of raping a prostitute, who was cleared of one of the allegations against him, could face a retrial on a second charge.
Earlier this week, a jury found Peter Thompson, 20, not guilty of one of the two charges of rape he faced at Teesside Crown Court.
After more than five hours of deliberation, the jury of three women and nine men could not reach a verdict on a second charge of rape faced by Mr Thompson.
Yesterday, Stephen Ash-urst, prosecuting, said the Crown would be seeking a retrial on the second charge.
Judge Anthony Briggs had directed the jury to deliver a majority verdict on the second charge, after it had been considering its verdict for more than three-and-a-half hours.
The jury could not agree a verdict and it was discharged by the judge.
Mr Thompson, of Portman Street, Middlesbrough, denied two charges of raping a prostitute in his car after picking her up in Middlesbrough in August last year.
Judge Briggs granted Mr Thompson bail
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article