Cregan trial juror discharged

A juror has been discharged from serving in the Dale Cregan murder trial for legal reasons.

The development came on day six of proceedings at Preston Crown Court — two days after the one–eyed defendant changed his plea to the murder of two policewomen to guilty.

Cregan (29), of no fixed address, admitted gunning down PCs Nicola Hughes (23) and Fiona Bone (32) in Hattersley, on September 18 last year.

He continues to deny the murders of father and son David and Mark Short last summer.

Nine other men are also in the dock accused of various offences in connection with Cregan in a trial which is estimated to last up to 10 weeks.

The jury, now reduced to six men and five women, continues to hear evidence today.