THE jury in a rape trial was discharged yesterday afternoon after failing to reach a verdict.

Austin Blacker, 20, of North Street, Middle Barton, denied raping a 14-year-old girl in a portable toilet at a birthday party in Gagingwell, near Chipping Norton, in March.

The jury heard evidence all week at Oxford Crown Court.

The court will decide on September 10 if a retrial is necessary.