A sheriff has pleaded with jury members not to discuss evidence on social networking sites and warned of dire consequences should they disobey.
In his opening remarks ahead of a trial at Cupar Sheriff Court, Sheriff Charles Macnair noted the case of Joanne Fraill, who was jailed for eight months after she caused a £6 million drugs trial to collapse by chatting with a defendant on Facebook.
“I am not sure if anybody was following the case last week but a juror is about to spend eight months in prison for corresponding with a person involved in a court case over the internet,” the sheriff said.
“It is probably clear to all that you should not do that.
“Giving any information about your deliberations can represent a contempt of court… please, please, please do not use the internet to do your own research into this case.
“It is very important that you do not discuss the case with anybody outside the jury.”
Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge had made it clear that anybody following in Ms Fraill’s footsteps could expect a similar outcome.
He said the imprisonment of any jurors who misuse the internet during trials is essential to protect the integrity of the nation’s courts.
Jurors flouting orders through the use of social networking sites jeopardise the principle of jury trials established in Henry VII’s reign, Lord Judge said.