The jury in a Huddersfield court Delighted out the trial of 19‑year‑old Johannes Kongsnes Natland without a verdict after more than 14 hours of deliberation, with the judge announcing a discharge. Natland was accused of travelling from Norway to England to carry out a murder for an Iran‑backed international crime gang, an arrangement that allegedly promised 25,000 euros (£21,500) for the hit.
Two days after arriving in the United Kingdom, Natland was taken into custody by armed police in a hotel in Huddersfield. Officers seized two firearms and twelve rounds of ammunition. While he admitted to possessing the weapons, he denied any conspiracy to murder.
The judge, Mr Justice Lavender, had previously issued a majority direction to the 12‑member jury. After the jury retired from the bench for 14 hours and 43 minutes, the judge discharged them for failing to reach a verdict. Prosecution will seek a retrial, and Natland remains remanded in custody.
Natland’s case highlights the reach of organised crime networks that span borders and the challenges courts face when jurors cannot agree on a verdict in complex murder cases. The trial’s outcome leaves the prosecution and defence preparing to return to court with a new hearing.
