Understand
Two Lincoln jurors given suspended sentences after internet searches collapsed child sex trial
Overview
Two jurors at Lincoln Crown Court, Kevin Hurford and Emma Jackson, caused a child sex trial to collapse after conducting independent internet research and sharing it with fellow jurors. Both defendants admitted the charge and were sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, alongside 240 hours of unpaid work and £150 costs.
Key points
- Kevin Hurford, 55, and Emma Jackson, 38, conducted internet research on a child sex case in August last year, causing the trial to collapse.
- The interference forced the jury to be discharged, delaying the re-trial until April.
- Both defendants admitted to sharing research with other jurors in violation of the trial judge's directions.
- The judge sentenced each defendant to eight months imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus 240 hours of unpaid work and £150 costs.
- Mitigating factors included both defendants' lack of previous convictions, cooperation, and personal circumstances, though the judge emphasised the need for a strong deterrent due to public cost and impact on the justice system.