Retrial for PC Miller

5:31pm Wednesday 3rd October 2001

A police officer accused of attempting to rape a 17-year-old schoolgirl faces a retrial after an Old Bailey jury failed to come to a verdict.

PC Paul Miller, 35, who is a member of the North Finchley-based territorial support group, is alleged to have dragged the terrified girl into bushes in Wilberforce Road, West Hendon, after a heavy drinking session.

The victim had walked more than six miles after storming out of a Camden restaurant following an argument with her sister on February 17 this year.

PC Miller was arrested following a struggle in a state of undress after several nearby residents heard the girl screaming.

But on Friday, an Old Bailey jury of six men and six women were discharged following more than ten hours of deliberations after they failed to reach a verdict.

Judge Brian Duckworth told them: "Given the length of time of your deliberations, it would be discourteous to ask you to carry on any further. You have given it your best and sometimes these situations of impasse happen."

PC Miller, a father-of-one who lives in Harpenden, denied forcing the girl into bushes, assaulting her and attempting to rape or indecently assault her.

He claims the girl, from Hong Kong, propositioned him, offering sex for £25, and says she led him into the bushes.

PC Miller was bailed on the conditions that he signs on at his nearest police station once a week and does not enter the borough of Barnet.