The murder trial for missing woman Margaret Fleming has collapsed.
The jury was told that the trial, which was in its third week at Glasgow's High Court, had to be deserted but would probably proceed in the future.
Carers Eddie Cairney and Avril Jones were accused of murdering Ms Fleming, who allegedly had not been seen for 18 years.
The couple, who were Ms Fleming's carers at the house they shared at Inverkip, Inverclyde, denied all charges.
They both pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Fleming by means unknown and fraudulently claiming £182,000 in benefits by pretending she was alive.
No reason has been given for the abandonment of the trial.
Judge Lord Matthews said: "I will desert the trial pro loco et tempore. As a result of circumstances we can't proceed. It is highly unfortunate all this has arisen."
Prosecutor Iain McSporran QC said: "I move for the trial to be deserted and for a fresh preliminary hearing and fresh trial to be set. I also think a brand new indictment."
Defence QC Thomas Ross applied for bail for his client Eddie Cairney, and this will be decided on Friday.
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