08/12/2003

Soham murder trial adjourned after juror falls ill

The Soham murder trial, which was due to begin hearing closing arguments today, has been adjourned after a juror fell ill.

A decision on how and when the trial will proceed will be made pending a doctor's report.

During evidence to the Old Bailey last week, Maxine Carr lashed out at her former boyfriend saying she would not take the blame for "what that thing in the box has done to me", referring to Ian Huntley.

Ms Carr, 26, told the court that she had been forced to lie to police by her "very controlling" boyfriend. She denies charges of assisting an offender and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

During inquiries into the disappearance of the two girls, Maxine Carr told police in a statement that she had been with Mr Huntley at his house on Sunday August 4, and that the girls had not been there.

However, she admitted in court on Thursday that she had lied to police. Ms Carr had been at her mother's house in Grimsby that Sunday.

Her former boyfriend, Ian Huntley, is accused of murdering 10-year-old Soham schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells shortly after they went missing on August 4 this year. He denies murder but admits one charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Mr Huntley claims that both girls died accidentally in his home.

(gmcg)

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