Jurors in Eli Epiha's attempted murder trial have been unable to reach a unanimous or majority verdict, but Justice Geoffrey Venning has asked them to return to the jury room and keep trying.
Jurors earlier indicated they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the attempted murder charge. Justice Venning then directed them that they could consider a majority verdict, meaning he would allow a 11-1 decision, if the jurors agree they couldn't reach a unanimous decision.
Jurors later came back unable to reach a majority decision. However, Justice Venning has asked them to keep trying to come to either a unanimous or majority decision.
"I have the power to discharge you from giving a verdict, but not unless and until I’m satisfied that should be done."
He told jurors that no one should give in for the sake of agreement, however.
Jury members have been back into the courtroom several times with questions over the course of their deliberations, which began on Monday.
Epiha has been on trial at the High Court at Auckland for the attempted murder of Constable David Goldfinch who was injured with four bullets. He previously plead guilty to the murder of officer Matthew Hunt.
Natalie Bracken has also been on trial, charged with being an accessory after the fact of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, by allegedly driving Epiha from the shooting to enable him to avoid arrest.
