Juror jailed for faking a sicky to see a West End show

[Ben]

BBC News - Juror Matthew Banks jailed for seeing West End show

A juror who pretended he was sick so he could go to a West End musical has been jailed for two weeks.

Matthew Banks, 19, told officials at Manchester Crown Court he was ill but he had actually gone to London to watch Chicago.

The trial was halted for a day as other jurors were sent home.

[Earl]

What's the hardest thing about being homosexual?

Getting sent down for dodging jury duty.

[Major Starbold]

A teenage juror who falsely told a court he was ill so he could sneak off to watch a West End musical with his mother will spend Christmas behind bars after his lie was exposed.

Read more: Juror Matthew Banks jailed for Christmas after phoning in 'sick' and halting trial | Mail Online

Got 2 weekz jail but will be out tomorrow.

Should've given him 6 monthz.

What doest thou reckon?

[Earl]

Tricky one. I've no sympathy for him, on top of all the money and inconvenience it was just a really lame thing to do. There's quite a principle at stake too, people need to take the judicial system seriously.

However, two weeks in prison, over Christmas? That is harsh.

Incidentally I didn't realize he was actually gay when I made my previous comment. Maybe he should get two weeks in the clink for being such a fucking stereotype.

[CambCelt]

Maybe he should get two weeks in the clink for being such a fucking stereotype.

[jools182]

[Ck]

He only served four days, he's out now and giving interviews.

I think he's been used as an example and that's why it's gotten so much press attention etc. His defense was that he'd heard off other jury members that they had sat before when a member had been absent and the trial continued with 11.

Right or wrong that he now has a record it does send the message loud and clear, much clearer than gossip from another jury member, that stupid stunts like that won't be tolerated.

[Earl]

I bet they thought Christmas had come early at Forest Bank jail when they led the little fairy in.

[Ben]

I wonder how long before he had a tree up his arse.

[Delboy]

I wonder how long before he had a tree up his arse.

Poor lad goes to jail for "Branching out"