A JURY has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict in the case of a judo blue belt accused of repeatedly knifing a man in an early hours attack.

The Burnley Crown Court panel had been deliberating for more than six hours after hearing how Lee Smith, 23, was alleged to have attacked Lee Myers, in Barnoldswick, last June.

Mr Myers suffered serious injuries after the alleged assault, was in hospital for four days and had to have plastic surgery.

The court had been told how Mr Myers afterwards lost his job because of problems with his thumb and no longer went out.

He and four of his friends attended a video identity parade and picked out Smith as being the man they believed was responsible for the assault.

Smith, then living in Barnoldswick, but now of Culshaw Avenue, Burnley, denied wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

The defendant, father of a four-month-old daughter, told the court he had not been present when Mr Myers was injured and thought what happened to him was 'terrible.'

Smith said he had been babysitting and had only left the house for a short time to get some beer. He said he had no need to carry a knife.

The case has been listed to mention on September 26.