Maureen Marsh manslaughter case to be retried (From St Helens Star)

Maureen Marsh manslaughter case to be retried

2:35pm Wednesday 14th July 2010

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A MAN accused of the manslaughter of shop worker Maureen Marsh will face a retrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict.

After more than 19 hours deliberating, the jury of eight men and four women at Liverpool Crown Court were discharged by Judge John Roberts who failed to reach a decision as to whether Stephen Brighouse was responsible for the death of the mother of three.

Maureen died from a ruptured aneurysm last April a day after confronting 34-year-old Brighouse, who had stolen razor blades from Morrisons on Baxters Lane.

He denies her manslaughter and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against the 56-year-old grandmother.

Maureen’s family were in court, feet away from Brighouse in the dock as they heard the outcome.

Addressing the jury Judge Roberts said: “There is an impasse so that’s the end of the road. It’s clear to me you have worked very hard and because you have not reached a verdict it is not a failure. You have provided a public service.”

Prosecuting counsel Richard Pratt QC said that they will seek a retrial, which could take place this October.

The case was adjourned until Wednesday, July 28, for a preliminary hearing.

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