Travolta's extortion case ends in mistrial
22 Oct 2009, 1616 Hrs

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Washington, October 22 The two people accused of trying to extort 18 million pounds from actor John Travolta over the death of his son will face a new trial, a judge has ordered.

Senior Justice Anita Allen made the decision after a speech broadcast on the TV and radio dropped hints the jury would acquit one of the defendants.

"We are concerned in the interest of justice that there has been a communication from the jury room," Contactmusic quoted her as telling the court.

"The dilemma that we face is great. I am erring on the side of caution. Justice must be transparent," she added.

The Grease star, who lost his 16-year-old son Jett after he suffered a seizure earlier this year, was said to be "upset" by the fate of the month-long trial but pledged to "continue to cooperate fully with police".

The grieving father previously told court that paramedic Tarino Lightbourne and his co-accused, former Bahamian Senator Pleasant Bridgewater, had threatened to blame him for Jett's death unless he paid the amount.

The pair pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion.

A date for the retrial is yet to be marked. (ANI)

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