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Today became the last day of my jury service. The case I was involved with drew to a close just after noon and we went to the jurors room to make our deliberations. We were divided 11 to 1 but after discussing certain points we soon arrived at a majority verdict. I had been selected as forewoman by lot, in this case the tossing of a coin. Only myself and one other woman were prepared to act as foreperson. It took a mere twenty-five minutes to reach a verdict and I knocked on the door to let the usher know. She asked if we had reached a unanimous verdict to which I replied ‘yes’. She then went into court and returned ten minutes later to escort us in. After we had all been seated (I had to take up a position next to the judge) the clerk of the court asked for the forewoman of the jury to stand. I stood up and waited for her to ask if we as a jury had reached a verdict. I replied ‘yes’. She then asked if that verdict was accepted by each of us. I replied ‘yes’. She then asked if the verdict was guilty or not guilty. I replied ‘Guilty’. The judge then informed the defendant of the verdict and the court that the sentencing would be carried out at a later date following social reports. We were dismissed from the courtroom and off we went to the main waiting area. It was around 1.15. We could not leave the building in case our services were needed in another trial. Eventually we were called to the reception, that is our group only and we were then released not only for the day but from our jury duty until and if they call upon us next time which under normal circumstances won’t be for another two years. The receptionist apologised to me for giving me bad news for I had indicated that I would have loved to continue as a juror for a little longer. The reason being there was only one trial awaiting a jury and some folk had not yet had the chance to serve on a jury after being there almost two weeks! The whole experience has been wonderful for me and although I had done jury service before that occasion was more than 27 years ago and I don’t remember too much about it. When I arrived back home there were messages on my phone asking for my services as an electrician. I now have a job to do in the morning!
Shirley Anne
