A Londonderry man accused of murdering his pregnant ex girlfriend faces a retrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict in Dublin.
Stephen Cahoon admitted killing mother of four Jean Quigley in her Derry home in July 2008 but denied murder.
On the third day of deliberation a jury of seven women and five men sitting at Dublin's Central Criminal Court said they could not reach a verdict.
On Thursday night Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy told the jurors they had the option to return a majority verdict of 11/1 or 10/2.
He said the accused could be found guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
But shortly before 11.30am on day 13 of the trial the foreperson told the judge: "We haven't being able to come to a majority decision."
The court previously heard Ms Quigley's naked bruised and battered body was discovered by her heartbroken mother Emma McBride.
Ms McBride broke down in tears and fled the courtroom with her children as the jury was dismissed.
Cahoon had maintained he was provoked into attacking his ex partner, who was two months pregnant with his baby, when she started screaming at him that the baby was not his and would have an abortion.
The prosecution claimed he forced his way into Ms Quigley's home, beat her up and strangled her.
The 37-year-old admitted he held her neck for around a minute to keep her quiet.
But he maintained he did not intend to kill her but was provoked by her words - which can reduce murder to manslaughter.
However barristers for the prosecution stated torn items of clothing were found at the scene, along with material and a sock which could have been used to tie her up and gag her.
Bruising was also discovered on Ms Quigley's head, limbs, wrists and torso, they added.
Mr Cahoon showed no emotion as the jury revealed it could not agree on a murder or manslaughter verdict.
The 37-year-old made legal history by becoming the first person to face a jury in the Republic for a non-terrorist related offence in Northern Ireland.
The judge said the case will be listed for mentioned on November 30th.
© Press Association