The judge in the Mohammed Raja murder trial today apologised for sending the jury away without hearing any evidence.

However, Mr Justice Newman suggested they could be home in time to see Italy play in the World Cup.

He told the six men and six women at the Old Bailey: "On occasions like this I am glad I do not run a transport company.

"If that was the case, trains would not only be delayed, they would never even get going."

The judge said he had hoped to sort out a legal wrangle, but would have to discuss it further with the prosecution and defence.

He said: "The only light I can offer you is there is a cup match at 12.30pm which might be the ticket for some of you.

"Other than that, we will do our best to work through the day and be ready for you at 10am tomorrow, unless you hear to the contrary."

The case has been dogged by continual delays and legal arguments.

Millionaire tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten is accused of hiring two hit men to kill Mr Raja in July 1999 at his home in Sutton, Surrey.

Hoogstraten, 57, of High Cross Estate, Framfield, near Uckfield, denies murder and conspiracy to murder.

David Croke, 59, of Bolney Road, Brighton and Robert Knapp, 53, of Convent Street, Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, deny murder.

The trial was due to continue tomorrow with Hoogstraten on the stand being cross-examined by David Waters QC, prosecuting.