Jury discharged in illegal abortion trial

The jury in the trial of a woman accused of arranging her own illegal abortion has been discharged for legal reasons.

Sophie Harvey, 25, was on trial at Gloucester Crown Court accused of procuring a poison, procuring her own miscarriage by poison and attempting to pervert the course of public justice.

Her partner Elliot Benham, 25, was also on trial accused of attempting to pervert the course of public justice.

With a "heavy heart", Judge Ian Lawrie KC told the jury they were being discharged from any further consideration of the case.

The judge said the decision was "unavoidable".

“I am sorry things like this do happen," he added.

Miss Harvey, of St Mary's Road, Cirencester, and Mr Benham, of Wingfield, Swindon, were released on bail.

During the trial, the jury was told the charges relate to events in the summer of 2018, when both defendants were 19 years old.

Prosecutors alleged that Miss Harvey took a drug that was purchased to end the pregnancy, after she was over the 24-week gestation period for a legal abortion in England.

Mr Harvey "acknowledged" his part in procuring the tablets.

Miss Harvey denied taking the tablet, and said the infant was stillborn when she delivered naturally at her home in Gloucestershire.

A further mention hearing was fixed for 14 June and the defendants were excused attendance.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.