THE JURY in a trial of a man accused of controlling prostitutes for gain have been unable to come to a decision.

Oliver Jovanovic was facing trial at Bournemouth Crown Court charged with arranging the travel of a person with a view to exploit and controlling prostitution for gain.

However, the jury have been unable to agree on a guilty or not guilty verdict on both counts.

The charges related to six months of surveillance by police and phone analysis of three sex workers in Bournemouth.

Jovanovic admitted to knowing that the three women were prostitutes and did arrange some lifts for them but said this was out of concern for their welfare and that he did not benefit from it.

His cousin, Sebastian Jacimovic, was also facing trial for arranging the travel of a person with a view to exploit.

He was accused of helping his cousin transport prostitutes.

However, the jury voted that Sebastian Jacimovic was not guilty on his single charge.

Prosecution are now set to decide whether to arrange a re-trial of Oliver Jovanovic.