The jury in the Sion Jenkins murder retrial at the Old Bailey was discharged today after failing to reach a verdict.
The six men and six women had been deliberating for six days.
Today, the judge Mrs Justice Rafferty discharged them after being told they were unable to reach a verdict on which at least ten of the 12 jurors could agree.
Jenkins was told he would remain on bail and that the Crown Prosecution Service would be seeking a third trial.
Last Friday the judge gave them a majority instruction which meant it was not necessary for them to reach a unanimous verdict.
Jenkins, 47, has been on bail for a year. The former deputy headteacher, of Belgravia, central London, denies murdering his 13-year-old foster daughter Billie-Jo in February 1997.
She was bludgeoned to death as she painted patio doors at the family's home in Hastings, East Sussex.
Jenkins was jailed for life in 1998 but released on bail by the Appeal Court last year, pending the retrial.
He continued to plead his innocence in the 11-week retrial, saying Billie-Jo was alive when he left the house.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article