A JURY in a sexual assault trial has been advised it can now deliver a majority verdict.

The jury of eight men and four women have been deliberating for more than four hours at Winchester Crown Court, after hearing evidence concerning allegations that former RAF engineering David Ashford sexually assaulted a woman at Basingstoke Rugby Football Club, in Pack Lane, Kempshott, on November 11 last year.

The 33-year-old, of Consisting Road, Kempshott, is accused of pushing the woman into a store cupboard at the club where he allegedly touched her breast and tried to kiss her, later pulling up her dress and touching her thigh before exposing his penis in her face.

He has already been acquitted of two counts relating to indecent exposure and one sexual assault, after judge Keith Cutler said there was no evidence to answer to in relation to these offences.

Evidence concluded yesterday (August 23) afternoon and the jury retired at around midday, spending the afternoon discussing the evidence, before returning this morning to continue with their deliberations.

They were advised by Judge Cutler at 11am that he will now accept a majority verdict of ten to two.

The trial continues.