Trial of Diana's Butler Halted Again

By Stephen M. Silverman And Simon Perry

Tuesday October 29, 2002 01:00 PM EST

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The trial of Paul Burrell -- once the trusted butler of Princess Diana -- was suddenly halted for the second time in as many weeks Tuesday in London, when, without explanation, the judge suddenly sent the jury home, PEOPLE reports.

"We can't sit today," said Old Bailey Justice Ann Rafferty, who last week also unexpectedly stopped the proceedings and replaced the entire jury. "I am going to send you away now. I hope we will sit tomorrow, but it's a little uncertain now."

The jury was informed that they would have to phone in to find out whether they would be required to serve again Wednesday, when the defense team was expected to open with Burrell's testimony.

Burrell, 44, who stands accused of stealing more than 300 of the princess's personal items after her death in a 1997 Paris car crash, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

No members of the royal family are expected to be called to the stand in the trial, although Diana's mother and sister have already testified.