Travolta`s extortion case ends in mistrial

Washington: 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,” a news website 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