THE jury in the case of a former teacher accused of sexually abusing a teenager has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict.

Peter Morse had faced two allegations of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 18 while in a position of trust.

Morse, 50, of Providence Park, Southampton, denied the offences.


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The alleged incidents occurred when he was working at Bitterne Park School in 2001.

After deliberating for 13 hours and 41 minutes the jury of eight men and four women said they were unable to reach a verdict on which at least ten of them were agreed.

They also said they were unlikely to do so if given more time.

Judge Nicholas Rowland gave the Crown Prosecution Service until March 24 to decide if it planned to order a retrial.

He told the defendant: "Mr Morse, you will find out in due course what the future holds."