Man who breached Juries Act sentenced

A man who was acting as a juror in a trial has been sentenced after admitting carrying out research during the trial, which he then shared with other jurors.

In November 2024, Peter Taylor, 34, of Eastcott Hill, Swindon, was a juror for a trial relating to sexual offences.

During the trial, Taylor researched the partner of one of the victims who had been mentioned during the trial.

When the jury was sent out for deliberation, Taylor asked his fellow jurors if they had also researched the partner, who had previously been jailed, stating he was “really not a nice guy at all”.

The foreperson passed Taylor’s actions to the court clerk and Taylor was dismissed from the jury. The incident was then passed to Wiltshire Police to investigate.

The trial subsequently continued with 11 jurors, concluding in a hung jury and a retrial.

In interview, Taylor gave a full admission. He was subsequently charged with carrying out research during the trial period and sharing research with other jurors – both offences under the Juries Act.

In a hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday (04/06), Taylor was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

DC Ashleigh Moran said: “Taylor’s actions could easily have led to the entire case collapsing, potentially stopping victims from getting justice.

“Had that have been the case and the trial not continued due to Taylor’s actions, the Judge said Taylor would have been looking at an immediate custodial sentence.

“It is imperative that jurors base their verdicts solely on the evidence and testimony presented in the courtroom.

“I hope this investigation shows we take offences under the Juries Act incredibly seriously and we will look to investigate and prosecute those who breach the act.”