THE jury hearing the trial of David Venables were released early after the judge told them “a matter had arisen”.

David Venables, of Elgar Drive, Kempsey, denies murdering his wife Brenda between May 2 and May 5 1982, with his trial now into its second week at Worcester Crown Court.

The case was not heard on Tuesday, and the jury arrived in courtroom three of Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday morning (June 22) expecting for it to resume.

Malvern Gazette: TRIAL: David Venables. Picture: PATRIAL: David Venables. Picture: PA

But at the start of the hearing the judge, Mrs Justice Amanda Tipples, told the jury: “I’m afraid something has arisen this morning that means we cannot proceed today.”

The judge said the 89-year-old was not in the courtroom, adding: “Please don’t hold that against him”.

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The jury were told the trial will resume on Friday morning, (June 22), when Michael Burrows QC will continue with the prosecution’s case.

The trial continues.