Manchester murder trial halted.
A trial in which a man is accused of setting his sister on fire has been halted until next year.
The jury in the trial of a Manchester man who allegedly murdered his sister by setting fire to her has been discharged.
Julie Archer, 49, died three days after Stephen Archer, 50, was said to have thrown a petrol bomb at her as she sat on her sofa at her home in Newton Heath, Manchester, on February 29.
Following the fire, Archer allegedly sent her a get well soon'' card with a note which read:Karma has punished you through me.''
The Crown said there was growing hostility'' between the siblings after the defendant blamed her for the death of their father and uncle in the weeks before.
On the third day of the trial at Manchester Crown Court, the jury was discharged for legal reasons.
A new trial date of March 20 next year has been scheduled.
Archer, of Victoria Street, Openshaw, denies murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
PL