Last updated at 19:14, Wednesday, 20 March 2013

THE jury in the trial of a Barrow teenager accused of causing a man’s death by dangerous driving has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict.

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Following just over seven-and-a-half hours of deliberations, the jury in the trial of Jamie Skelton indicated that they would be unable to reach a verdict, even if given more time.

They were discharged and a retrial is now scheduled to take place later this year.

Skelton of Hill Road, Barrow, had denied a charge of causing the death of George Tyson by dangerous driving, at Bardsea, over a year ago, but admitted a less serious charge of causing his death of by careless driving.

At the end of the six-day trial, Judge Christopher Cornwall told the jury: “You have tried as hard as anyone could to reach a verdict and that has proved to be elusive.”

The judge thanked them for having taken a keen interest in the case.

Mr Arthur Gibson, for the prosecution, indicated the crown would be seeking a retrial.

In his evidence to the court the 18-year-old spoke of feeling “absolutely devastated” about being responsible for Mr Tyson’s death.

He was struck by a road sign while out walking with his son in January last year and died at the scene.

Mr Tyson had suffered catastrophic injuries when struck by a metal road sign which had become detached from a pole as the teenager’s car went out of control on the A5087.

The sign had ended up being flung from the back wheels of a car like a frisbee or boomerang.

Skelton said he had taken that route to visit a cousin in Roose because he had time on his hands, it was a nice day and the scenery was also nice.

Skelton told the court he entered two bends and went on to notice a car at a junction.

He did not know which direction the other car would take so he panicked and slammed on the brakes. The Corsa then hit the grass verge.

First published at 16:07, Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk