THE trial of two men accused of seriously injuring an alleged teenage poacher came to a dramatic halt when the jury was discharged.

Judge Philip Statman, sitting at Maidstone Crown Court, released the jury after legal argument.

The future of the case will now be decided at a later date.

Paul Jeffrey, 37, of Keats Road, Aylesford, near Maidstone, and Jonathan Cannon, 55, of West Lodge, Oxenhoath Road, Hadlow, near Tonbridge, were released on bail.

The alleged poacher comes from the Gravesend area.