Jury discharged in fatal Tottenham shooting trial

A jury has been discharged after being unable to reach verdicts in the trial of Michael Clarke, who stood accused of murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The case, heard at the Old Bailey, concerned the death of Tanesha Melbourne-Blake.

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was shot and killed in Chalgrove Road, in the Northumberland Road area of Tottenham, on April 2 2018. The prosecution alleged Clarke was involved in a drive-by shooting that resulted in her death. Clarke, aged 37 and from Luton, denied all charges.

Jury discharged by judge

Judge Mark Dennis KC discharged the jury on Friday after it became clear they could not agree on verdicts. Addressing the jurors, the judge stated, “In those circumstances, I have no other option but to discharge the jury, so I discharge you.” He thanked them for their attention to the case.

The judge added, “Please do not be deflated. You have done what you have been asked to do, which is consider this case.”

Next steps for the case

The case has been adjourned until November 6. It remains unclear whether the Crown Prosecution Service will seek to retry Michael Clarke. The Standard has approached the Crown Prosecution Service for comment on potential future proceedings.