The trial of three men accused of stabbing and beating songwriter Matthew Clarke to death was halted yesterday due to an absent female juror.

Judge Carlisle Greaves told the remaining jurors eight women and three men that he hoped the case would be able to proceed again today.

The judge gave no further information. However, noting the bad weather, he told the jurors who had made it to court: "Try not to get ill. Dress properly and be careful with your bikes out there."

Yesterday was set to be the tenth day of evidence at the Supreme Court in the case against Vernon Simons, 24, from Pembroke, Kyle Sousa, 18, from Warwick and Shannon Tucker, 32, from Southampton.

Mr. Clarke, 31, was found dead in his bed in North Shore Road, Pembroke by his girlfriend shortly on April 9, 2008. He'd suffered 26 stab wounds to the chest, neck and back, plus nine head wounds consistent with being hit with a pipe.

The three defendants all deny murder.