More time for kebab murder jury

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/lancashire/6933640.stm

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The jury in the trial of a Blackpool kebab shop owner accused of strangling teenager Charlene Downes say they want more time to consider their verdict.

Iyad Albattikhi, 30, of Dickson Road, denies killing the 14-year-old.

His business partner Mohammed Reveshi, 50, from Hornby Road, Blackpool, denies helping to dispose of her body.

Mr Justice Henriques said they should continue deliberating if there was a chance they could still reach a verdict after 44 hours at Preston Crown Court.

Charlene, of Buchanan Street, Blackpool, spent her time hanging around shops on the resort's promenade and was last seen on the early evening of 1 November 2003.

No trace of her body has ever been found.

Mr Justice Henriques first sent the jury out on 24 July and a week ago told the seven men and five women he would accept a majority verdict from them.

On the 10th day of deliberations, he called them in and asked them if there was any prospect of them reaching a decision.

After indicating they were prepared to continue deliberating, Mr Henriques told the jury: "I will ask you to retire again while there is some possibility of you reaching a verdict.

"Should there come a time when there is no possibility, then please pass a note to me."