A wealthy architect accused of murdering his wife faces a retrial after an Old Bailey jury was discharged today when it failed to reach a verdict.

Gracia Morton, a 40-year-old musician, disappeared after visiting her husband, Michael, on November 7 1997 at his home in Notting Hill, West London, shortly before they were due to finalise their divorce.

Mrs Morton did not return to the house she shared with the couple's young daughter, and never contacted her family again. Her body has never been found. The prosecution claimed that she was murdered by Mr Morton, 66.

But Andrew Bright, QC, defending, told the jury that the case had been built on speculation and innuendo. No trace of forensic evidence had ever been found to incriminate him, he said.

Mr Morton, a millionaire, who had quarrelled with his wife over whether their daughter should go to private school, did not give evidence.

In his closing speech Mr Bright told the jury: "You may very well share the family’s suspicion that this defendant had something to do with Gracia’s disappearance, but suspicion is not evidence."

He said the jury had been led to draw "sinister conclusions" from speculation. "It is not up to the defendant to prove his innocence but for the prosecution to prove his guilt," he said.

Jonathan Rees, prosecuting, told the court: “The prosecution will be seeking a retrial.”

Mr Morton, who was on bail, looked composed as the five women and seven men in the jury were discharged. The new trial is expected to take place next June.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Donor organ allowed child’s own heart to heal
• Michael Jackson: Not the final chapter
• Brüno toned down for 15 rating