���˿���

The trial of a trainee health worker accused of sexually assaulting two patients has collapsed.

Ieuan Crump, 26, faced allegations that he touched two women inappropriately while performing bladder scans at the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran, in August 2021.

Mr Crump had denied nine charges of sexual assault, including three counts of assault by penetration.

The trial at Cardiff Crown Court had been ongoing for over two weeks, but following a second day of deliberation, the jury were discharged by judge Vanessa Francis.

During the trial, the court had heard how Mr Crump had been working at the hospital as a healthcare assistant while training for a nursing degree.

Following a two week trial, the jury had retired on Thursday to consider their verdict.

But on 4 November - the second day of deliberations - Judge Francis discharged them and brought the trial to an end.

Addressing the jury, she said that she could not "go into the details" as to why they were being dismissed, adding that doing so could prejudice any potential future re-trial.