A JURY presiding over a trial in Belfast where two men stood accused of attacking another man in the Tiger's Bay area has failed to reach a verdict.
Piaras Samuel Devenney (27) from Rosemount Gardens in Belfast and 28-year old James Sean William Paul Edwards from Ashfield Drive in Donaghadee - will find out this week if there will be a re-trial.
The jury spent two days deliberating on whether or not the accused were guilty or not guilty of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to a 36-year old north Belfast man with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
The foreperson confirmed the jury was unlikely to reach a verdict.
The complainant, who gave evidence during the trial at Belfast Crown Court, said he was attacked by Devenney and Edwards after attending a social gathering at a woman's house on Glenrosa Street on June 24 last year.
He said that after leaving the house, he was followed onto the street. He said Edwards had a claw hammer in his hand, that Devenney was also holding an object and he was attacked by Edwards who struck him several times.
During an altercation, the 36-year old complainant received several injuries and was treated in hospital for mild swelling of the brain, two fractured fingers and other cuts and bruises.
The co-accused both said they acted self-defence.
Judge Geoffrey Miller discharged the jury. Devenney and Edward were bailed to return to court on Friday.
