Justin Lee Collins harassment trial: jury returns today

A JURY will continue deliberations today in the trial of television presenter Justin Lee Collins, who is accused of harassing his ex-girlfriend.

The panel of nine women and three men were unable to reach a verdict on Saturday after being sent out by the judge to begin their deliberations and will return to St Albans Crown Court this morning.

They had been asked to come into court on Saturday – an unusual move because courts do not usually sit at the weekend – so that Judge John Plumstead could finish his summing up in Collins’s case.

It is believed there may be problems with juror availability this week and Judge Plumstead was keen to retire jurors as soon as possible.

Collins denies harassing his former partner Anna Larke.

During his ten-day trial the court heard details of the couple’s tempestuous relationship during which they frequently argued.

Video games public relations worker Ms Larke, 38, claimed Collins subjected her to various levels of emotional and domestic abuse.

She alleged the ex-comic, also 38, made her write down in graphic detail all her previous sexual encounters.