THE jury trying the case of a Lancaster woman charged with seriously wounding her friend has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict. Joanne Dixon, is alleged to have battered Susan Capstick about the head with a metal pan during an argument at the home they shared in West Street, Lancaster. The attack left her with 48 stitches for a wound to her forehead.

Dixon, 28, pleaded not guilty at Preston Crown Court to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and an alternative charge of unlawful wounding.

After the jury deliberated for more than five-and-a-half hours they returned to the court and said they had failed to reach a majority verdict.

Judge Herbert Andrew QC asked the foreman of the jury whether they were likely to reach a verdict if given more time. She indicated they would not.

The judge discharged them and Keith Thomas, prosecuting, and said the Crown intended there would be a retrial at a later date.

Dixon was granted unconditional bail until the next hearing.

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