THE jury in a trial of a nurse accused of murdering two patients and causing GBH to a further 16 has been stood down for the Easter break until next Tuesday.

Ben Geen, 25, is accused of murdering Anthony Bateman, 65, and David Onley, 75, and causing GBH to 16 victims at the Horton General Hospital, Banbury, between December 2003 and February 2004.

On Wednesday, Mr Justice Crane told jurors they only had to reach a majority (10 to 2 or 10 to 1) verdict since they were unable to reach a unanimous decision after the judge finished his summing up at 11am on Friday.

They jury has reported to the judge that they are making progress and anticipate they can reach a decision on all 18 patients.

The trial started on February 15 and the court has now sat for a total of 173 hours. The trial continues.