A young care home worker walked free today after a jury failed to reach a verdict on whether she killed an elderly resident by setting fire to her room.
Jurors trying Rebecca Reasbeck, 20, were discharged after deliberating for 17 hours and four minutes on whether or not she killed 85-year-old Irene Herring.
Jurors trying Rebecca Reasbeck, 20, were discharged after deliberating for 17 hours and four minutes on whether or not she killed 85-year-old Irene Herring.
Prosecutors decided there would be no public interest in seeking a third trial and Judge Mr Justice Saunders formally entered a not guilty verdict.
Reasbeck broke down in tears in the dock as she realised she would soon be free, but offered no comment to reporters as she left Lewes Crown Court.
In an emotive statement following the case, Mrs Herring's widower David Herring said he hoped whoever killed his wife "will sincerely regret their actions" in the years ahead.
Reasbeck was alleged to have started the fire in Mrs Herring's top-floor room at Ancaster Court in Hastings Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, on February 1 2009.... read more
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/care-home-death-accused-walks-free-6262232.html
