The jury in the trial of a man accused of taking part in an attack where a man was kicked to death outside a Great Yarmouth pub have been discharged by the judge.

Ian Church was found unconscious outside the Bricklayers Arms, in Great Yarmouth, on May 5, 2012, having been attacked by a group of people in the early hours of the morning.

He suffered a bleed to the brain and died two days later after his life support machine was switched off.

Norwich Crown Court heard how trouble flared after Mr Church and his friend Peter Blake armed themselves with a pole and a machete and smashed windows at the pub, following an earlier dispute involving Mr Blake.

The court also heard that Stuart Layden is alleged to have punched the victim in the back of the head before the others started attacking him outside the pub.

Layden, 33, from Harlow, Essex, denied murder. He has previously told the jury that he played no part in the attack and said he had no idea how serious the assault had been on Mr Church.

Judge Stephen Holt today told the jury: 'With huge reluctance, I discharge you.'

The court has heard that Todd Esherwood, Tony Smith and Kelly Taylor have already been convicted of the murder.

A decision on whether to proceed with a retrial for Layden will be made on October 28.