Spears judge declares mistrial

A jury trying Britney Spears for allegedly driving without a valid driver's licence failed to reach a verdict in Los Angeles. The 26-year-old singer was not in court when Judge James Steele declared a mistrial after jurors said they were deadlocked 10-2 in favour of acquitting the pop star. Los Angeles Superior Court had heard that Spears did not have a California driver's licence, but did carry one from Louisiana. Prosecutors said later they would not pursue the case further and it was dismissed. The case started when Spears, who has not been in court for any of it, hit a parked car.