THE jury in the murder trial of Traralgon man Willam Scriven was yesterday morning discharged.
The two-and-a-half week trial in the Supreme Court at Morwell had reached its closing arguments.
In addressing jury members, Justice Kevin Bell said it was with “regret” he had to discharge them.
He said it was not their fault, and thanked them for their service to the community and the court.
“I see that you are a really good jury and I wanted to thank you for the diligence you’ve given,” Justice Bell said.
Scriven, 35, is accused of murdering fellow Traralgon man, 32 year-old Wayne Glenn Bayley in the early hours of 22 December 2012 by stabbing him three times to the upper body in the front yard of 8 Thexton Street – Scriven’s home.
Members of Mr Bayley’s family became emotional in the court upon hearing the trial would not proceed.
For legal reasons, The Express cannot report the details of why the jury was discharged.
Scriven has been remanded in custody pending a new trial.
A directions hearing is expected to be held at the end of June.
