TWO men accused of carrying out the contract killing of wheelclamper Charles Butler, could face a retrial after a jury failed to reach verdicts on Friday. Douglas Johnson, 29, and friend David Austin, 42, allegedly murdered the 50-year-old, who was shot o

TWO men accused of carrying out the contract killing of wheelclamper Charles Butler, could face a retrial after a jury failed to reach verdicts on Friday.

Douglas Johnson, 29, and friend David Austin, 42, allegedly murdered the 50-year-old, who was shot outside his home in Green Lane, Dagenham, on November 13, 2004.

He remained in a coma until he died on June 23, 2005.

CCTV cameras showed the killers' red Mazda driving up and down the road before Mr Butler returned at around midnight.

As he parked his vehicle, a gunman approached and opened fire.

Johnson and Austin both denied murder.

Following a seven-week trial at the Old Bailey the jury was deadlocked after more than 24 hours of deliberations.

Judge David Paget QC discharged the jury, telling them: "I think it is fruitless to ask you to continue."

The prosecution will decide next month whether or not to go ahead with a retrial.

Austin and Johnson, both of New Addington, Surrey, were remanded in custody.