A JURY were unable to reach a verdict in the trial of Alexandra Farenden.

Farenden, aged 33, of Tytherley Green, Bournemouth, has denied causing grievous bodily harm to 70-year-old Winifred Mary Oldham during an ABBA tribute night at Avon Social Club in April last year.

The incident is said to have occurred at the social club in Avon Road on April 11 after an exchange of words between Farenden, of Tytherley Green in Bournemouth, and the alleged victim Mrs Oldham.

As a result of the altercation Mrs Oldham received a scratch to her face and a serious injury to her arm which required a skin graft.

Farenden has said she was acting in self defence after Mrs Oldham grabbed her hair.

Mrs Oldham died in March this year following a stroke but her death was in no way related to this incident.

The trial at Bournemouth Crown Court began on Tuesday afternoon.

After two days of evidence, which included a police statement from Mrs Oldham before her death, the jury were sent out around 11.45am yesterday morning.

However just before 4pm they announced they were unable to reach a verdict and all 12 jurors have now been discharged.

There will now be a retrial which is due to begin on Monday, January 9, with a brand new jury.