IN A shock move this afternoon, the jury in the Scott Cooper murder trial — unable to reach a verdict — have been discharged. 

The date and venue for any re-trial is yet to be decided. 

Adam Feest QC, prosecuting, said the intention was for the case to be re-tried. 

The matter is due to be discussed at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on July 27. 

Read all about the trial here: 

Piers Brazier is due to remain in custody for the time being. 

Mr Brazier, of George Street, Ryde, has been on trial for the last three weeks at the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

Today, the jury could not reach an agreement on whether he murdered 33-year-old Scott Edward Cooper.

Asked if they were likely to reach a verdict given more time, the jury confirmed they would not, and were thus discharged. 

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On January 4, Mr Cooper's body was found in Mr Brazier's flat, and on January 7, police named the deceased and informed his next of kin.

A post mortem revealed Mr Cooper had suffered more than 20 injuries, ranging from stab wounds to grazes.

Three were stab wounds to his neck; among them, the principle injury, which would have proved rapidly fatal.

The attack was described by Mr Feest as savage, determined and sustained, and he said it was clear the perpetrator intended to kill Mr Cooper.

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The court heard police had attended Mr Brazier's address twice — the first time at around 2.50am, acting on information that there had been a domestic complaint.

Not looking for a body at this stage, Mr Feest said officers did not look behind the closed shower curtain. 

Following further calls to police, officers attended the address a second time at approximately 12.48pm. 

Mr Feest said they soon discovered the body of Mr Cooper, upside down in a shower cubicle, and Mr Brazier was arrested. 

This was the first murder trial to be held on the Island since the Isle of Wight Crown Court was opened in 1993, as they are usually sent to Winchester or Southampton.

The County Press has been exclusively reporting from the courtroom each day.