Judge stops conspiracy to commit murder trial at Sheffield Crown Court for "legal reasons"

Sheffield Crown Court heard during the trial how Joshua Mottershead, Niki Haycock, Demi Dunford and Molly Mayer have denied conspiring to murder Ryan Ducker following two reported drive-by shootings near Arbourthorne, in Sheffield.

Stephen Wood QC, prosecuting, claimed Miss Dunford and Miss Mayer recruited Mr Mottershead and Mr Haycock before the two men were involved in two reported drive-by shootings on mistaken targets at occupied homes on Errington Avenue and Aylward Road after 9.30pm, on June 30.

But Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, The Recorder of Sheffield, told the court today, Monday, February 1, that the trial, which was opened on January 8, would have to be stopped for “legal reasons”.

He added that any further reporting of the explanation and reasoning behind his decision to stop the trial would be restricted at this stage.

Miss Dunford is also accused of torching a Vauxhall Astra car near Park Spring Drive, close to Norfolk Park, Sheffield, with another man after it had allegedly been used in the reported shootings.

Miss Dunford has also pleaded not guilty to arson but Jason Brough, aged 50, of Cambridge Lodge, Kent Road, Heeley, Sheffield, has pleaded guilty to arson.

Judge Richardson QC formally discharged the trial jury.

A new trial is expected to be heard at later date yet to be fixed.

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