Dando jury to sit over the weekend

The jury in the Jill Dando murder trial has been sent to a hotel for a third night after failing to reach a verdict.

The jury in the Jill Dando murder trial has been sent to a hotel for a third night after failing to reach a verdict.

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You must have as much time as you need. I do not want you to feel you are under any pressure
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Mr Justice Gage

The Old Bailey jury will resume their deliberations tomorrow morning at 9.30am.

Mr Barry George, 41, from Fulham, south-west London, has denied murdering Miss Dando on April 26, 1999.

Earlier Mr Justice Gage told the seven men and five women: "You must have as much time as you need. I do not want you to feel you are under any pressure."

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He said there would be no problem sitting on Saturday. Officials say it is an "unusual" step for a jury to sit over the weekend.

A spokeswoman for the Lord Chancellor's Department admitted it is an "unusual" step for a crown court, but declined to discuss possible reasons.

The high-profile Leeds United players' trial collapsed earlier this year after the Sunday Mirror published an article before the jury returned to court after a weekend break.

The spokeswoman told Ananova: "It is quite unusual, but we can't comment on the reasons behind the judge's thinking to return on a Saturday."

PA