The trial against a Queensland woman who is accused of counselling a man to kill her ex-partner and dispose of his body in a woodchipper has been aborted after a week.
Earlier this month Sharon Graham pleaded not guilty to the murder of Bruce Saunders in the Supreme Court.
Mr Saunders, 54, was hit over the head with a metal bar, then placed inside the industrial machine, while he was clearing trees with two other men, Gregory Roser and Peter Koenig, on a rural property in Goomboorian in 2017.
Prosecutors had alleged Ms Graham, 61, "successfully counselled and procured" Mr Roser, who was her partner at the time, to kill Mr Saunders, for her own financial gain.
The trial, which was expected to run for a month was abruptly halted on Monday afternoon, while Mr Koenig was on the witness stand.
Justice Peter Callaghan told the jurors there were "rules on evidence that can or cannot be given", and there had been testimony given to the court which should not have.
"Unfortunately, you heard some evidence … which ought not to be given," he said.
Justice Callaghan apologised to the jurors and said because of this a mistrial would be declared.
"I find myself duty bound to discharge you now without the need for you to give a verdict," he said.
"These things happen … it's not uncommon.
"On this occasion it's really nobody's fault."
A new trial was expected to start today, however the proceedings will now go ahead later in the year.
Ms Graham was remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned.
