THE trial of a DJ facing a string of historic sex charges has dramatically collapsed this afternoon (Thursday).

Christopher Reynolds, who denies all the charges, will now face a retrial at a later date.

The jury, sitting for the eighth day at Taunton Crown Court, was discharged by Mr Recorder Don Tait after he outlined the reasons for halting the trial.

The County Gazette cannot give those reasons after the judge imposed reporting restrictions.

Reynolds, 56, of Poplar Road, Taunton, a former presenter on Taunton TV and Apple FM radio, is alleged to have raped a 16-year-old girl and carried out seven indecent assaults on a girl under 16, an act of indecency with a 12-year-old girl and an indecent assault on her.

He and his former partner Julia Wildman, 58, of Parker Close, Wellington, are further charged of witness intimidation with intent to pervert the course of justice. They both deny the allegation.