Acid murder trial halted

THE trial of a woman accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend after throwing acid on him has been halted and the jury discharged.

Mark Van Dongen, 29, was left paralysed and ‘grotesquely scarred’ in the alleged attack by Berlinah Wallace, 48. The Dutchman took his own life at a Belgian euthanasia clinic in January – 15 months after the incident.

The trial at Bristol Crown Court was adjourned last week to allow a question of law ‘to be further considered’. Yesterday Mrs Justice May discharged the jury, telling them it was not certain ‘when the matter will be finalised’.

Wallace denies murder and applying a corrosive fluid with intent.

Mrs Justice May remanded her in custody and fixed a provisional new trial date of April 17 next year.