The murder trial of former University of Otago academic Clayton Weatherston is to continue with 11 jurors after one of the panel was today discharged by Justice Judith Potter.
The man became suddenly unwell yesterday and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
It was understood earlier today he had been given a medical clearance and was to have returned to court this morning for a 10 o'clock start.
But about 11.15, the other 11 jurors returned to the courtroom and the judge said she had discussed the man's situation with counsel and decided he should be discharged from his duties as a juror.
She suppressed the circumstances of the juror's discharge, other than that he was unwell.
The eighth day of 33-year-old Weatherston's trial is now under way in the High Court at Christchurch in front of Jutice Potter and the remaining 11 jurors.
Weatherston, a former University of Otago economics tutor, stabbed or cut 22-year-old Sophie Elliott 216 times during an attack in her bedroom soon after noon on January 9, 2008.
He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murdering Miss Elliott.
A former girlfriend of Weatherston's is completing her evidence.
