A jury has been unable to reach a verdict in the case against a former Hertfordshire police officer charged with allegations of sexual offences against a child and misconduct in a public office.

Neil Shoebridge, age 47, of Northolt Avenue, Bishop's Stortford, had denied three counts of gross indecency with a girl aged under 16 between 27 December 2002 and 3 January 2003.

He also denied wilfully neglecting to perform duty and wilful misconduct while a holder of a public office between the same dates. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges at an earlier hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday 30 April.

The trial started at Cambridge Crown Court last Monday 4 August and jurors began deliberating on Friday 8 August.

They continued their deliberations on Monday 11 August, and failed to reach a verdict yesterday afternoon. The judge discharged the jury, thanking them for their service.

The Crown Prosecution Service has a fortnight to decide if it will seek a retrial.