Man risks wrath of court by refusing to sit on a jury (From Warrington Guardian)

Man risks wrath of court by refusing to sit on a jury

A LORRY driver risked a future jail sentence by refusing to sit on a jury because he has 'no faith in the English legal system'.

Keith Hole had asked to be exempted from sitting but was refused by the Jury Service.

He then won an appeal at Warrington Crown Court on Monday.

The Runcorn man told the court: "I don't have any faith or any belief in the English legal system.

"I believe there are double standards in this country and I don't think it would be fair to sit on a jury where I don't believe in the system."

Judge Phillip Hughes could have forced Mr Hoyle to serve on a jury.

And Mr Hoyle could then have faced a fine or a jail sentence if he did not carry out his duty properly.

Judge Hughes told him: "There's no way the system can be perfect and it makes mistakes. That doesn't mean the whole system is a bad one.

"But I can't have you on a jury as a potentially disruptive influence. In the circumstances I am going to excuse you.

"I am sorry you should take this attitude, but you have been very straight forward with me."