Jurors in Jordan worker trial discharged

The jury in the trial of a stable-hand accused of claiming benefits while working for Jordan has been discharged.

Joanne Hillman, 34, began working for the glamour model in June 2003, but is alleged to have failed to inform the benefits office that she had a job.

The jury was dismissed after the judge said he was concerned that Hillman would not get a fair trial, an official at Lewes Crown Court revealed.

The decision follows reports of remarks made in court by Jordan, who may be recalled to give more evidence.

She claimed that Hillman had stolen photos from her house, hired out her horse box, and set up accounts in her name at pet shops before selling on the goods. She also accused her ex-employee of striking a £12,500 deal with the News of the World for an article and planning to write a book with publicist Max Clifford.

Hillman, of Brighton, denies three charges of dishonestly failing to promptly notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Brighton and Hove City Council of her change of circumstances. It was alleged that she did not reveal the information because she knew it would affect her entitlement to income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit.

The case was adjourned for a hearing until December 21. A retrial is expected to take place next March.