Jury unable to reach a verdict on one count

Following a two week trial in Bristol Crown Court, the jury today reached a decision in relation to the 17-year-old male suspect in connection with a violent assault on a 10-year-old girl, which took place on Thursday 4 October 2018 in the Marley Road area of Exmouth.

The suspect, who was 16 at the time of the offence and cannot be named for legal reasons, had previously pled guilty to lesser charges of to strangle or choke with intent, and sexual assault of a child under-13; he will be sentenced on these matters at a later date yet to be confirmed.

The trial in Bristol was in relation to the more serious charges of attempted murder, rape, and choking with intention to commit rape.

The jury today found the suspect not guilty to the charge of attempted murder, but were unable to reach a majority decision in relation to the charge of rape, and choking with intention to commit rape.

The prosecution now has seven days in which to decide on if they wish to request a retrial in relation to the charges the jury were unable to reach a decision on.

The suspect will continue to be held in remand.

We remind the public that the victim has anonymity for life and should not be named, neither should the suspect; these rules are not solely for media organisations to adhere to, they also apply to everyone of us, and includes all information posted via social media.

We will update the public once a decision has been made on the possibility of a retrial.