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Phone-hacking trial: Defendants on 15-minute notice as jury considers verdict

By James Doleman

June 18, 2014 | 2 min read

The trial of Rebekah Brooks Andy Coulson and five others reconvened this morning with the jury leaving the court to continue considering their verdict. After a discussion of legal matters the presiding judge Mr Justice Saunders rose and the trial was adjourned.

The defendants have been told they can leave the building but must leave telephone numbers and be no more that fifteen minutes from the Old Bailey in case the jury suddenly return. Inside the building the press await the tannoy announcement that will summon all parties in the case to assemble at court 12.

Legal insiders have told The Drum that in a trial of this length and complexity it is not unusual for the jury to be out for a considerable time. The record for the longest wait for a verdict in an English court was set in a 2007 terrorism case, also at the Old Bailey, when jurors took 27 days to reach their decision.

Afternoon update

Shortly after 4pm today the jury informed the bailiff at they had not yet reached verdict today and wished to go home. The court then briefly re-convened and the jury were discharged for the day.

The presiding judge, Mr Justice Saunders, then told the assembled legal representatives, defendants and members of the press that there would be no proceedings tomorrow and that they should return at 10 am on Friday morning.

The trial continues

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