During a criminal jury trial, information emerged that the spouse of a juror had attended the proceedings and made comments supportive of a police witness, including remarks to the investigating officer.
The court had previously conducted an inquiry after learning the juror had received text messages from the spouse about events occurring in the courtroom.
Following new evidence from a detective about additional comments by the spouse, the court considered whether further inquiry of the jury was necessary.
Applying appellate guidance on allegations of improper juror contact, the court held that the potential taint of prejudice required a supplementary inquiry.
The judge directed that limited additional questions be put to the implicated juror to determine whether the spouse’s opinions had been communicated and whether they affected impartiality.
