The jury had, after retirement, requested and been given a map which had not been referred to in the case. Counsel were not consulted.
Held: The use of the map was a material irregularity: ‘It is hardly necessary to say that an action of this kind runs counter to all the guidance which this court has given from time to time . . It can never be right for a jury to be provided with something which has not been part of the evidence in the trial.’ In this case the conviction was not unsafe.
Judges:
Tasker Watkins LJ
Citations:
Times 09-Feb-1987
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Cited by:
Cited – Regina v Stewart and Sappleton CACD 1989
After retirement, the jury requested provision of scales which were given. The defendants faced an accusation of importing cannabis of a certain weight, and claimed to have been unaware of the presence of the cannabis in their bags.
Held: Once . .
Cited – Regina v Karakaya CACD 16-Feb-2005
No Internet Research for juror
After conclusion of the trial, the jury bailiff discovered notes in the jury room which indictated that the jury, after they had retired for their verdict, had read and discussed notes obtained by a juror from the Internet relating to the case.
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Criminal Practice
Updated: 06 May 2022; Ref: scu.223473