The jury in the Sarah Payne murder trial today ended a second day of deliberations without reaching a verdict.

They were sent to a hotel for the night shortly before 4.30pm and will return at 10.30am tomorrow.

Earlier, Mr Justice Richard Curtis had told the jurors at Lewes Crown Court: "I again ask you to retire and consider your verdicts."

Defendant Roy Whiting, wearing a grey sweatshirt and blue jeans which he has worn for much of the trial, sat in the dock.

Whiting, 42, formerly of St Augustine Road, Littlehampton, denies kidnapping and murdering eight-year-old Sarah.

The girl's parents Sara and Michael sat just feet from the defendant at the rear of the packed court.

Earlier the couple entered the courthouse without commenting. They briefly acknowledged dozens of photographers and cameramen waiting outside.

Sara, wearing grey trousers, a white top and a red and black jacket, and her husband Michael, wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans, looked tired and drawn as they entered the building.

Their daughter Sarah was snatched from a country lane near her grandparents house in Kingston Gorse, East Preston, on July 1 last year. Her naked body was found dumped in a shallow grave just off the A29 road near Pulborough, 16 days later.

The case continues.

December 11, 2001