THE jury in the trial of a student accused of rape has failed to reach a verdict.

Alastair Cooke, a former Durham University student, has been standing trial at Durham Crown Court accused of three charges of rape.

But the jury, which had heard evidence over almost a two-week period, failed to reach a decision on any of the charges on Friday.

After more than seven hours of considering the evidence the jury was discharged and a decision on whether a further trial will be held will be made in the new year.

The trial had heard from the prosecution that the woman, another student, had been very drunk at the time of the alleged rape.

The incident happened in the early hours of June 2, 2015, following a house party the night before, which the pair had attended together.

The court had heard that the woman, who had been drinking rum punch, had left the party after being kissed by Mr Cooke and he had later followed her to her home, entered through an unlocked door and found her sleeping on the sofa.

The complainant says she remembers waking up naked in bed with the defendant in the room and it is alleged he raped her in a number of positions.

But Mr Cooke, who was studying geology and geophysics, says the pair had consensual sex and says that the alleged victim did not appear to be drunk.

He says he was “close” to the woman and they had been growing closer over a period of time and had shared a moment earlier on the day of the party during a yoga session at his house.

Mr Cooke, who was suspended by Durham University following his arrest, denies three charges of rape.

The 22-year-old, who was a third year student at Van Mildert College at the time of the alleged offence, also worked for the university’s support service Nightline and had shortly before his arrest had been given an award for his efforts towards a suicidal caller.

Shaun Dodds, for the prosecution, said a decision on whether there would be a re-trial will be made at a further hearing on Friday, January 13.

He said: “It is highly likely we will be seeking a re-trial.”

Mr Cooke, of Truro, in Cornwall, was told he does not have to attend the hearing.