Jury in Ipswich rape trial dismissed for ‘technical reasons’

The jury in a rape trial involving a piercer that was expected to last two months was dismissed by the judge for “technical reasons”.

Paul Saunders, from Ipswich, has been on trial since October 14 on three charges of rape and seven counts of sexual assault.

The 51-year-old man, who runs Scarz&Barz on Eagle Street, denies alleged crimes involving nine women between 2012 and 2020.

Judge Martyn Levett told Ipswich Crown Court the case would be heard again on February 28 and said: “I regret to say that I must discharge the jury.”