Jury in ex-football coach's abuse trial dismissed

Image source, Google

Image caption, The jury of seven men and five women was dismissed on day four of the trial

A jury in the trial of a former south Cumbria football coach accused of sexually abusing a boy over four decades ago has been discharged.

Anthony John Pickering, 61, faced four charges at Carlisle Crown Court, which he denied, dating back to the 1970s and 80s.

He faced two allegations of attempting to carry out sexual acts on the young player, and two of indecent assault.

Judge Richard Archer dismissed the jury for legal reasons.

Reporting restrictions imposed by the judge prohibit the precise reasons being made public.

Mr Pickering, formerly of Claife Avenue, Windermere, was remanded in custody.

A new trial has been provisionally fixed and is due to start at the same court on 3 April.

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