COURT LIFE AND DODGY CHARACTERS

Well here I am again, older and wiser, but with so many more questions than I had at the beginning of the week.

I was informed this afternoon, that my services would not be required as Juror, tomorrow or even next week. I should have attended for two weeks, but apparently there is a backlog of cases, which are taking longer than expected. The Jury assembly room was absolutely choc-a-block, there were not enough seats for people to sit down, and those who had been waiting for cases to begin, were bored to tears.

I was lucky/unlucky enough to get on a case, which involved a young woman receiving money through deception. The deception was that she was subletting a flat she was living in (not a criminal offence) to several people at the same time - 9 people to be exact!! We the jury, were told that two men were also involved in this deception, but unfortunately the Police were unable to apprehend these two.

The questions in this case arose because of questions not put to the accused (defendant) by the police at her arrest and by the prosecution whilst in the witness stand. Other questions arose when one of the character witnesses got up on the stand to speak, ‘Slippery eel’ sprang to mind immediately. This guy was her boss, but somehow he just gave me the creeps – and when the case finished, I felt that this guy warranted some investigation, although he wasn’t relevant(??) to the case – I 'Googled' him and found out that he had a prior conviction for tax evasion in 1990 and a string of bankrupt firms, where millions of pounds were owed to investors/creditors in each case – he has managed to avoid being sent to prison, because he never seems to be a named Director of any of these companies. He runs sex parties attended by high society, politicians and possibly even high court judges!! What a strange world we live in.

Anyway the verdict on the evidence given was guilty – I actually felt a bit bad as I might be sending someone to prison – but she was definitely guilty!

I have to say the Judge was absolutely lovely, he wasn’t young, but he had a certain way about him and put all of us at our ease. The ladies in the Jury office giggled and said this happened regularly and that this particular Judge set many a ladies’ heart fluttering.

I made Steak Fajitas for me and the boys tonight, served with Guacamole, Salsa, Chopped up Lettuce, Grated Cheese and Sour Cream all wrapped in tortillas – not one bit was left in the pan – we are all jolly good eaters!!

Back to work tomorrow – off to bed in a minute.

Love Jo xx