The trial of a Pembroke man accused of having a firearm ended abruptly when the jury was discharged yesterday.

Stephen Thompson, 42, has denied charges that he possessed a prohibited weapon and ammunition without being the holder of a licence, between a date unknown and December 16, 2022.

While a Supreme Court jury began to hear evidence on Monday, Puisne Judge Alan Richards told the jurors yesterday morning that circumstances had arisen which meant it was not possible to continue the trial at this time.

He thanked the jurors for their time before discharging them and added that he was unable to disclose the reason for his decision.

Mr Richards said: “I’m sorry if you feel your time has in any way been wasted. We have at least tried to waste as little of it as possible.”

Mr Justice Richards released Mr Thompson on bail until June 5, when the matter is scheduled to return to the Supreme Court.

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