The trial, which is in its closing stages, will continue with 11 jurors.

Mr Justice Hooper declined to go into the reasons for his decision and warned the remaining jury members not to contact the discharged juror.

Two brothers aged 16, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have denied murdering 10-year-old Damilola in south London 16 months ago.

Broken glass

They also deny charges of manslaughter and assault with intent to rob.

On Wednesday, the jury again heard from pathologist Dr Vesna Djurovic.

She dismissed the evidence of defence expert Alistair Wilson, a surgeon who told the court he thought Damilola died accidentally after falling on broken glass.

Dr Djurovic told the court Damilola was deliberately stabbed in the thigh in a cutting and twisting motion.

Damilola died on November 27, 2000, from a thigh injury caused by a broken beer bottle on the North Peckham Estate, south London, where he lived.

His parents Gloria and Richard sat with their heads bowed as the juror was discharged.

The trial continues.