THE trial of a man accused of several alleged historic sex offences dating back to the 1980s has collapsed after a jury was unable to reach a verdict.
Keith Bloomfield, aged 64, of Normandy Way, Bridport, was accused of multiple sexual offences involving an underage girl in West Dorset between September 26, 1985 and May 11, 1987, which he denied.
The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is now 50.
The jury at Bournemouth Crown Court retired to consider their verdict on Monday (August 9) before Judge Pawson gave the direction he was willing to accept a majority verdict.
On Tuesday (August 10), the jury confirmed they were unable to reach a verdict on the multiple counts.
The Crown Prosecution Service now has seven days from Tuesday to consider whether or not to go for re-trial.
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