The jury in the Sion Jenkins murder retrial was discharged yesterday after failing to reach a verdict.

The six men and six women had been deliberating for six days.

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.

On Friday the judge had given them a majority instruction, meaning it was not necessary for them to reach a unanimous verdict.

Jenkins, 47, who has been on bail for a year, is now set to face a third trial.

The former deputy headteacher, of Belgravia, 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.

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.

Nicholas Hilliard, prosecuting, told the judge at the Old Bailey the Crown wanted Jenkins to face trial again.

Jenkins, dressed in a blue denim shirt and pale trousers, was remanded on bail.

After leaving the dock, he spoke to his new wife, Christina, who had been sitting at the back of the court.

A further hearing is due to take place to fix a date for the third trial.

The jurors deliberated for a total of 27 hours, 43 minutes. The foreman said there was no prospect of them being able to reach a verdict, even if given more time.

They were discharged with the thanks of the judge, Mrs Justice Rafferty. She told them they had been a model jury.

She said: "You have done your civic duty in which no one could have done better."

She excused them from further jury service, unless they wished.

She said: "I know it is unsatisfactory from your point of view that you have not reached verdicts but what you should do is remind yourselves of the time, care and dedicated attention you have given this case.

"This is what you must take away with you."