A new trial date has been set for two teenagers accused of carrying out hoax "swatting" calls in the UK, US and Canada after the jury was discharged. Dylan Ash and Kieron Ellison, both 19, of Maghull, are accused of being part of an online syndicate called Monkey Mafia which carried out hoax calls between October 2022 and June 2023.
Their trial, which was opened last week before the jury was discharged on Monday, June 8, heard that swatting was a form of hoax call which alleged an armed attack and resulted in Swat teams being called. On Monday, Judge David Potter told jurors at Liverpool Crown Court: "An issue has arisen and, despite all our best efforts, it is not possible to continue with this trial."
Retrial Scheduled
A retrial date has been set for July 19 next year. Ash, from Deal in Kent, and Ellison deny five counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and one count of conspiracy to bomb hoax. Ash also denies a further count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, related to false reports allegedly made to police in the US between July 2023 and October 2024.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the alleged offences, which involved making hoax emergency calls that prompted armed police responses. The Monkey Mafia syndicate is believed to have targeted victims across multiple countries, causing considerable disruption and endangering public safety.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The discharge of the jury means that the defendants will face a fresh trial next year. Both individuals remain on bail pending the retrial. The Crown Prosecution Service is expected to present its case again, with evidence including digital communications and call records linking the accused to the alleged hoax calls.
Swatting has become a growing concern for law enforcement agencies worldwide, as it wastes resources and can lead to dangerous confrontations. The case highlights the serious legal consequences for those involved in such activities.
