Major Wolverhampton attempted murder trial stopped after three weeks due to jurors in danger of missing holidays

Michael Soledolu, Richard Beckles, Constantine Campbell, Khyle Gayle, Claire Evans and Cleon Johnson are standing trial for attempted murder. 

The six are accused of organising the shooting of a man in his 40s in Minerva Lane, off Lower Horseley Fields, in Wolverhampton on September 18 last year.

The trial was timetabled for three weeks at Wolverhampton Crown Court but due to the number of defendants and their respective defence lawyers each cross-examining witnesses the prosecution case was still being presented as the fourth week began. 

With the Easter break approaching and three jurors having pre-booked holidays in May, Judge Jonathan Gosling KC told the jury. 

The trial was adjourned until next year and this time has been slated for four or five weeks, instead of three, and will begin on January 12, next year.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service told the Express & Star: "The judge discharged the jury as they felt they were running out of court time. The case could have run into May when three jurors had holidays booked."

Soledolu, aged 33 of Walmead Croft, Birmingham;  Beckles, aged 44, and Evans, both of Wavertree close, Telford;  Gayle aged 31, of Greenford House, Birmingham; Johnson, aged 39, of Sparrows Forge Drive, Walsall; Campbell, aged 51, of Puddlers Drive, Tipton, deny attempted murder.