JURORS in the case of William Hippsley, the elderly motorist accused of causing the death of his wife by careless driving, were yesterday discharged by a Judge at Grimsby Crown Court.

Mr Hippsley, 74, of Owmby Road, Searby, was accused of the charge after he ran over and dragged his wife Brenda, 69, across the Tesco car park at Brigg on September 19, 2008.

Mrs Hippsley died as a result of the accident.

Mr Hippsley, however, maintained it was his Toyota Prius that was at fault rather than anything to do with his driving.

Judge David Tremberg, presiding at Grimsby Crown Court, yesterday heard legal arguments from the two barristers in the case.

He later summoned jurors to court room one and discharged them from their duties.

He told them: "The prosecution say this defendant was involved in this tragic accident as a result of his own fault - his own negligence.

"The defence say this was a case of sudden unintentional acceleration, a concept they say is known to exist."

Judge Tremberg explained: "There is a House of Representatives committee in America dealing with this very issue now.

"We are being drip fed further critical information from America at every adjournment."

He said this matter was very complex and he added: "There is a real danger that you might not be equipped with what you need to deliver a fair verdict."

Mr Hippsley, who denies a charge of causing death by careless driving, was released on unconditional bail.