Indian grandfather assault case declared mistrial for second time

WASHINGTON: The second trial within two months of an American police officer charged with using excessive force against an Indian grandfather partially paralysing him has ended in a mistrial after marathon deliberations.

US District Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala yesterday announced that Alabama police officer Eric Parker's case has ended in a mistrial after the 12-member jury informed her that they voted twice, but failed to arrive at a decision.

His first trial had also ended in a mistrial in September. He faces up to 10 years of imprisonment if found guilty.

Parker, 27, who has now been suspended by the Huntsville Police, is accused of having violated the civil rights by using excessive force when he knocked 58-year-old Sureshbhai Patel down to the ground. The incident left Patel partially paralysed for which he is still undergoing treatment.

Comprising of nine women and three men, the jury deliberated for more than 16 hours spread over four days after several days of hearing the witnesses from both sides which ended last Friday.

On Monday they watched the dash cam video - a crucial piece of evidence - several times. On Tuesday the judge had encouraged the jury to continue with their discussion and try arriving at a decision.

After several hours of deliberations on Wednesday, the jury informed the judge about their failure to arrive at a consensus.

She said that Parker's case has ended in a mistrial after the jury informed her that they voted twice today, but failed to arrive at a decision.

In a note, judge Haikala said despite intense discussions jury votes in the morning and afternoon showed no hope of consensus.

She asked if further deliberations would be productive or not. "Not," replied the foreman. She asked: "Is the jury deadlocked then?" The foreman replied: "Yes, your honour."

Thereafter the judge announced: "The court declares a mistrial."