A JURY deliberating a murder trial has been told it no longer needs to reach a unanimous verdict.

Jurors have been deliberating their verdict in the trial of Danielle Russell, 26, of St Ann’s Road, Southend, and two teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, following the fatal stabbing of Dagenham drug dealer Anton Levin at Russell’s flat on November 19.

The trial began on May 5 and jurors rose to consider their verdict on Wednesday.

However, as they have yet to reach a unanimous verdict, Judge Christopher Ball QC advised at 12.30pm today that they may return a majority verdict on any count for any defendant provided at least ten of 12 agree.

He said: “You have been deliberating now in excess of two full court days.

“From now on the court can accept from you a verdict of any defendant on any count in which at least ten of you agree, so that may be ten against two or 11 against one.”

However he added the jury was under no pressure of time and may return to deliberate next week if they are unable to reach a verdict today.

Russell and the teenagers – a 17-year-old from Basildon and a 16-year-old from Thurrock - are charged with the murder of Mr Levin, conspiracy to rob him, and the attempted murder of his friend Abdullatif Abdulkadir, 24, and of conspiring to inflict grievous bodily harm on him.

The 16-year-old admits conspiracy to rob but all three defendants deny the remaining charges.