THE fate of two men accused of trying to murder Vincent MacNamee hangs in the balance after the jury were unable to reach a verdict during the first day's deliberation.

The 12 men and women will continue to discuss the case today at Bristol Crown Court in a bid to decide if Gary Peapell, 26, formerly of Beechcroft Road and Tony Salvatori, 39, of County Road are guilty.

It is alleged that Mr MacNamee, 39, was stabbed and bottled when a gang burst into a house in Swindon in a row over a woman.

The pair also face a charge of wounding with intent and another of wounding.

Amanda Bailey, 38, of Bracknell, and Paul Moss, 38, of Cottingham Close, Freshbrook, are charged with assisting an offender. The pair are alleged to have stayed in a hotel with Peapell after the attack and helped him avoid arrest.

Douglas Thompson, 42 of Victoria Road, had his charge of attempted murder dropped due to lack of evidence but still faces a charge of wounding with intent. All have pleaded not guilty to all charges.