Juror: Why we let off a man who was ‘obviously guilty’

Iain Dale hears an unbelievable story of from caller Simon about his time serving on a jury.

Simon admits he let an old man avoid justice - even though he was 'obviously guilty'. What's more, he says he's not sorry and 'would do it again'. Iain can't quite believe it, telling him he 'should be ashamed'.

The conversation comes as David Lammy scales back jury trials to tackle the backlog in the justice system.

Announcing his criminal court reform in the Commons, Mr Lammy said: “I will create new swift courts within the crown court with a judge alone deciding verdicts in trial of either way cases with a likely sentence of three years or less as Sir Brian (Leveson) recommends.

“Sir Brian estimates that they will deliver justice at least 20% faster than jury trials, and whilst jury deliberations remain confidential, judges provide reasoning for their verdicts in open courts, so this will hardwire transparency in our new approach.”

This move will prevent defendants from “gaming the system” to get more time on bail, Mr Lammy said.

The Deputy PM added: “Sir Brian also proposes restricting defendants’ right to elect for jury trials, a practice not found widely in other common law jurisdictions. And, let’s be honest, it’s a peculiar way to run a public service.

“Our world-leading judges should hear the most serious cases and I agree that they and the magistrate should decide where a case is heard. This will prevent defendants from gaming the system, choosing whichever court they think gives the best chance of success, and drawing out the process, hoping victims give up.

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