A Birmingham woman charged with attempting to murder a child by interfering with his medication is set to face a fresh trial next year after the jury failed to reach a verdict.
Emma Jane Williams, 41, from Pype Hayes in Erdington, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, where she was told the Crown would pursue a retrial. The defendant denies a single count of attempted murder of a boy, who cannot be identified due to a court order, allegedly committed on the date of her arrest.
Jury Deadlock Leads to Retrial
The initial trial, which concluded last month, saw jurors deliberate for more than six hours before announcing they were unable to reach a decision. Judge Simon Drew KC expressed sympathy for the delay, telling Williams he was "very sorry" that the earliest available date for the new trial, expected to last between seven and ten days, was in March.
He added that he would investigate whether a January slot could be secured, offering some hope of an earlier resolution.
Emotional Moment in Court
During the hearing, Williams, who appeared to dab her eyes with a tissue while in the dock, responded emotionally to the judge's remarks. "Thank you, your honour," she said, her voice reflecting the strain of the proceedings.
The case has drawn attention due to the serious nature of the allegations, which involve tampering with a child's medication. The boy, whose identity is protected by a court order, is at the centre of the charges.
Next Steps and Legal Context
The retrial is scheduled to take place at Birmingham Crown Court, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The court will aim to accommodate an earlier hearing if possible, but the March date remains the current default.
Williams, who denies the charge, will continue to be represented by her legal team as the case progresses. The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed its intention to proceed with the retrial, ensuring the matter is fully heard.
This development follows a period of intense legal scrutiny, with the original trial failing to produce a unanimous verdict. The new trial will provide an opportunity for both the prosecution and defence to present their cases afresh before a new jury.
For now, the focus remains on securing a fair and timely hearing for all parties involved, as the court seeks to balance the interests of justice with the well-being of those affected by the case.
