Juror dismissed for elbowing.

Juror dismissed from Billy Ward trial

Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Croydontoday.co.uk

A juror has been dismissed from the trial of two men accused of murdering a New Addington roofer - after claiming she was elbowed by the woman next to her.

Judge Christopher Moss was forced to discharge the young lady from the Old Bailey trial today (Tuesday) when she told the court she felt unable to continue with the case.

She claimed her fellow-juror kept nudging her with her elbow as they heard evidence into the death of Billy Ward.

Judge Moss then told the remaining 11 jury members they would continue with the trial.

He added: "I dare say you all know what happened. The problem with empanelling a jury is you empanel a jury of complete strangers.

 

"Sometimes they get on, sometimes they don't. It is important to keep the interests of justice at the forefront of your minds.

"Having considered what has been reported to me I have decided that juror number two should no longer continue to sit on this jury.

"There was a danger she might not be able to fulfil her duties as she should in the frame of mind she presently is.'

He told the woman sitting next to the juror that she should not feel at fault, to which she replied: "I don't".

The jury are hearing the trial of two teenagers accused of murdering 21 year-old Billy Ward after a row on a night bus.

Mr Ward was stabbed to death at a bus stop in Gravel Hill, Addington, at around 3am on December 8 last year.

It is claimed the victim was attacked after being provoked into a fight by Junior Lumbango and Starfield Badza, both 19. 

Mr Ward from New Addington, was stabbed four times in the heart, lung and liver.

The two defendants now blame each other for the fatal attack. Lumbango claimed in a prepared statement that he was a 'peacemaker.

Lumbango, of Pixton Way, Forestdale, and Badza, from Osward, Court Wood Lane, Forestdale, both deny murder.

The trial continues.