May 23, 2008

Sila jury urged to try again after it signals impasse

The jury in the trial of Lipine Sila on murder charges has been urged to continue its deliberations to try to reach verdicts, after it signalled an impasse in a note to the trial judge today.

It is the third day of its deliberations. It sent a note asking Justice John Fogarty, ?What happens when an impasse is reached?? It then asked for guidance as to what steps to take to carry on with its deliberations.

After discussions with counsel, Justice Fogarty got the jury back into Christchurch?s High Court No 1 where the trial has taken place and told them that he could discharge them, but that would mean a new trial would very likely take place.

He urged them to continue with their deliberations and discussions to try to reach a unanimous verdict.

"An opinion that is honestly held can be honestly changed," he told them.

The jury is considering two murder charges, and eight charges of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm after driving a car through a crowd of partygoers outside an out-of-control party in Edgeware Road a year ago.