The trial of seven youths accused of kicking a schoolboy to death collapsed today as two defendants, including a 16-year-old from Nelson, walked free from court.
The group, who were aged 14 and 15 at the time, all deny charges of murder, manslaughter and violent disorder, connected to the death of Deividas Strizegauskas, 13, outside Brampton Manor school in Upton Park, east London.
The Lithuanian schoolboy died from brain injuries after a fight on April 27 last year.
Judge Martin Stephens QC halted the trial after almost two weeks.
Five of the youths will face a retrial next Monday.
Two of the youths, a 16-year-old from Nelson and a 15-year-old from Chatham, Kent, walked free after the prosecution offered no evidence against them.
The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were formally cleared of murder, manslaughter and violent disorder.
The judge said: "The decision has been made that there can no longer be a fair trial.
"We are left with no alternative than to discharge the jury for their duties and end it now."
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