FOLLOWING the jury’s complaint on Friday to the presiding judge that they cannot reach a verdict and that further directions would not be helpful, Justice Navindra Singh discharged them and ordered the accused Rondell Bacchus to face a new trial.

The judge told the accused that since the jury could not decide whether he is guilty or not guilty of the crime, he will be called upon to face trial again at the next session of the Assizes.
Bacchus was charged with the murder of Akbar Alli who was gunned down in Brickdam during a robbery bid on July 24, 2008.
His wife Rameena Hydar Alli who allegedly was with him at the time of the shooting and is now in the United States was regarded as the star witness for the prosecution.
History was recorded in the judicial system in Guyana this week when trial judge Justice Navindra Singh allowed evidence to be taken via video conference from the witness who is now residing in the U.S.A.
Bibi Rameena Hydar Ali testified from the Guyana Consulate via the audio visual link about her husband being shot dead by a robber.
The woman said that she positively identified Rondell Bacchus at an identification parade in Georgetown, as the gunman in the robbery.
But some members of the jury were in doubt.
And, therefore there was a ‘hung’ jury.
Attorney-at-law Mr. Peter Hugh appeared for the defence while Mrs. Konyo Thompson in association with Lawyer Miss Dhanika Singh, prosecuted.