Three defendants cleared at £1m murder trial brought back into court to be told jury forewoman had made a mistake
THREE defendants cleared at a £1million murder trial were brought back into court to be told the jury forewoman had made a mistake.
Asked after ten hours and 46 minutes of deliberations if the Old Bailey jury had agreed unanimous verdicts, she apparently misunderstood and said: “Not guilty.”
Brothers Paul and Matthew Yusuff, charged with murder and pal Moussa Traore with manslaughter over stabbing Adrian Keise, 32, outside a London bar, cheered as they prepared for freedom.
Jurors left the courtroom looking puzzled and an urgent note was sent to Judge Charles Gratwicke.
He hurriedly reconvened court, saying: “It is clear from the note they are not unanimous.
“I discharged the jury, but I am going to revoke that.”
The jury were told they could return a majority verdict.
Two hours later, the forewoman was asked if they had decided on any charges and replied: “No.”
After murmurs from the jury she corrected herself and said they found Traore, 24, not guilty of having a knife.
The jury was discharged and Judge Gratwicke gave the prosecution until January 19 to decide if they want a retrial.
Defence lawyers indicated they would be seeking a High Court hearing to free their clients, who remain in custody, arguing they had legally been acquitted.