• A £180,000 life insurance policy in Joanne’s name.

• Neighbors reported hearing screams at 3 AM on the night of her death.

• A one-hour delay before Samak called emergency services, which was questioned by the prosecution.

The court was also told that in the month before his wife’s death, Samak contacted a financial adviser, appearing “agitated and panicked.” He inquired whether he could claim on any of his policies if he were unable to work due to depression, but was informed that he did not have income protection.

The couple’s relationship had begun in 2011 when Joanne was holidaying in Egypt, where Samak worked at a hotel.

Samak Maintains His InnocenceSamak Maintains His Innocence

Samak has consistently maintained his innocence, insisting that he had no reason to kill his wife. He stated that if he had been unhappy in their marriage, he would have chosen separation over violence.

What Happens Next?What Happens Next?

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) now has seven days to decide whether to pursue a retrial. If prosecutors believe there is still a strong case against Samak, he will face a second trial.

Samak has been remanded in custody until his next scheduled court appearance at Worcester Crown Court on 17 March 2025.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and SentencingACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

Jury Deadlocks and Jury DecisionsJury Deadlocks and Jury Decisions

A jury deadlock occurs when the jurors are unable to reach a decision on the verdict in a criminal case. This means that they cannot come to a unanimous decision (or a majority decision, depending on the case) either way—whether guilty or not guilty. In the UK, criminal cases typically require a unanimous decision, but a majority verdict may be accepted after the jury has deliberated for a reasonable amount of time.

If the jury is unable to reach a verdict, despite continued deliberations, the judge may discharge them. Following a jury deadlock, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has up to seven days to decide whether to proceed with a retrial, based on factors such as the strength of the case and the interests of justice. In the interim, the defendant remains under legal supervision until the decision is made.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason KingJason King

Birmingham City-DeskBirmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNewsTwitter (X) @JasonKingNews

Jasonkingnews@gmail.comJasonkingnews@gmail.comJasonkingnews@gmail.com