Jarryd Hayne rape trial jury discharged after failing to reach a verdict

The jury in the rape trial of former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has been discharged after failing to reach a unanimous or a majority verdict.

Mr Hayne had pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault, without consent, recklessly inflicting actual bodily harm.

After retiring on Thursday afternoon, the jury delivered a note to Newcastle District Court judge Peter Whitford on Friday afternoon saying it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

After deliberating again today, the  jurors said they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict after considering all the evidence.

Decision ‘not made lightly’

“It is evident that we will not be able to come to a unanimous agreement,” the jury foreman said.