Last week the jury in the trial of Richard Spearman failed to reach a verdict. However, the Crown, represented by Tim Langdale QC, argued that there was sufficient cause for there to be a retrial, which has been scheduled for 17 May at Southwark Crown Court.

The prosecution had alleged that between June 1997 and April 2001 Richard Spearman used the information stolen from Burrups that related to price-sensitive securities.

The information came from an employee of Burrups, Norman Payne, who passed on proofs to Richard Spearmans wife Catherine and her business partner Michael Smith.

All three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud last year.