THE jury in a kidnap and robbery trial being heard this week has been discharged after the defendant has been deemed unfit to stand trial.

Judge Peter Ralls made the "reluctant" decision this morning to adjourn the trial of Corrie Jane Falconer-Smith which has been heard in Winchester Crown Court since Monday.

As reported by The Advertiser, the 36-year-old, of St Anns Close, was standing trial after pleading not guilty to the kidnap and robbery of a man who was held at knifepoint in a car for five hours before being forced to buy a £5,000 ring from a Winchester jewellers.

The jury heard four days of evidence before a doctor's letter was received by the court stating that Falconer-Smith is not fit to stand trial.

Judge Ralls discharged the jury and the defendant will be face a retrial in January.