May 23, 2008

Jury watch: Sila murder jury stays for third night

This is how matters proceeded on the third day of deliberations by the jury in the High Court in the trial of Lipine Sila on charges of murder and intentionally causing grievous bodily harm. (Latest entry at the top)

4.40pm: After written questions from Justice Fogarty, the jury signalled that it?was again making progress and asked to be able to view the three video interviews Sila gave to the police. Justice Fogarty made arrangements for them to shown in a closed court, probably with just the jury present, from 9am on Saturday. He told the jury they could continue discussions as long as they wished tonight, then retire to a hotel for their third night since deliberations began on Wednesday morning.

2.50pm: Accompanied by court staff, the jury went for a walk together.

2.10pm: The jury returned from lunch, and went back into the jury room to continue its discussions.

1pm: Court staff took the jury to a nearby restaurant, to have lunch.

11.10am: After discussions with counsel, Justice Fogarty told the jury that he power to discharge them if they could not reach a verdict, but urged them to continue their deliberations. "An opinion that is honestly held can be honestly changed," he said.

10.15am: Jury sent out a message to trial judge Justice Fogarty, saying: "What happens when an impasse is reached?" and asking for guidance on what steps to take to carry on with their deliberations.

9am: Jury returned to High Court from its second night at a hotel, to begin its third day of deliberations in the jury room.