A TRIAL juror who defied a judge’s order not to conduct online research has narrowly avoided being locked up.
Suzanne Asquith was deliberating following a major trial when she conducted research on internet forum Mumsnet before telling a fellow juror: “I know we’re not supposed to Google, but…”
The 56-year-old guide dogs foster carer, of Battallion Way, Thatcham, was given a suspended prison sentence by Judge Amjad Nawaz, who cited prison overcrowding and the delay in bringing the case as factors in his decision.
Matthew Knight, prosecuting at Reading Crown Court on Friday, May 10, said: “During the course of their deliberations a fellow juror became concerned, it seems principally with the attitude Ms Asquith had to the proceedings, and with comments she made about having found something out.”
Asquith’s phone was seized and it transpired she had been researching barristers’ background and legal matters pertaining to the case involving offences of harm to a child and child cruelty.
Mr Turner said: “How that impacted on the jury’s deliberations, no one can say.”
Another member of the jury became concerned with Asquith's “bullying attitude,” the court heard.
Mr Turner said that the jury had been warned by the judge at the start of the trial that they should try the case only on the evidence presented to them in court and that to undertake independent research was an offence.
The maximum penalty is to two years’ imprisonment.
The court heard the 11 jurors had returned majority not guilty verdicts on two charges, with Asquith being the sole juror feeling the defendants were guilty.
Verdicts could not be reached for two other charges and they were sent for trial with a separate jury.
Asquith admitted illegally researching a case during a trial in September, 2022.
She has no previous convictions.
The court heard Asquith worked for 15 years for a US organisation involved in geocaching, which had required regular travel to America.
Since her conviction she had been working as an invigilator with young children and as a canine foster carer for guide dogs.
Hassan Baig, defending, said his client was “genuinely remorseful” and “tearful at times.”
Far from bullying, he added, Asquith had felt overwhelmed and had conducted online research “to better advocate for her position to other jurors.”
Judge Nawaz said deterrent sentences were necessary in such cases and remarked that the trial judge’s directions “couldn’t have been clearer.”
He added: “These directions are given so as to ensure the trial process is undertaken fairly.”
Asquith’s actions risked bringing the justice system into disrepute, went on Judge Nawaz.
But he said he would take into account the “unexplained delay” in bringing the case to court and prison overcrowding, remarking: “Sentencing is an art, not an exact science.
“Her remorse seems to be genuine.
“She has lost her good character; this conviction will be with her for the rest of her life.
Judge Nawaz sentenced Asquith to 22 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
