A TEENAGER accused of murdering a man is to be re-tried after the jury failed to reach a verdict.

Damien Fiocca, 19, of Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn, denied murdering Andrew Rawes, 29, on October 14 last year.

The prosecution claimed that Fiocca had used a television stand to murder Mr Rawes in the bedroom of a house in Pringle Street, Audley, where his alleged victim was staying.

The jury at Preston Crown Court, after hearing five days of evidence, were told by Judge Peter Openshaw QC that they had to first decide if Fiocca was guilty of murder.

He said that if their answer was no, they could then decide if he was guilty of manslaughter or find him cleared if they felt he acted in self defence.

The jury of eight men and four women deliberated for 13 hours and 25 minutes.

Yesterday afternoon they were asked if they had reached a verdict on the charge of murder. The foreman said no.

Then Judge Openshaw QC asked if there was a chance they could reach a verdict given more time.

The foreman said no and the jury was discharged. A date for a re-trial on the charge of murder was then agreed for January 10.

Fiocca, who has been held since his arrest on October 17 last year, was remanded in custody.