THE jury in the case of six Brierfield men said to have sexually exploited and abused a 14 year old girl has been discharged.

Judge Beverley Lunt yesterday discharged the jury three days into a trial at Burnley Crown Court.

Mohammed Imran Amjad, 25, of Halifax Road, has denied allegations of child abduction, rape, sexual activity with a child,aiding or abetting rape, aiding or abetting sexual activity with a child, aiding or abetting sexual assault, intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence and witness intimidation.

Shiraz Afzal, 25, of Mansfield Crescent, has pleaded not guilty to aiding or abetting rape and aiding or abetting sexual activity with a child.

Omar Mazafer, 21, of Halifax Road, has denied aiding or abetting rape and aiding or abetting sexual activity with a child.

Mohammed Suleman Farooq, 22, of Berry Street, has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, sexual activity with a child and witness intimidation.

Mohammed Zeeshan Amjad, 24, of Halifax Road, has denied rape and sexual activity with a child.

Haroon Mahmood, 21, of John Street, has pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual activity with a child.

A CPS spokesman said: “Following the commencement of the trial a number of issues arose which led to the Crown Prosecution Service asking for the jury to be discharged and a new trial date to be set. "The court granted that request and the trial will be heard at a later date.”

Trial has been rescheduled for next March.