John Littler, a 32-year-old from Knowsley Avenue in Golborne, was called for jury duty at Liverpool Crown Court for a two-week period beginning June 1 this year. He attended on the first day but left for his lunch break and never returned. He also failed to show up for the remainder of his service and ignored all attempts by court staff to contact him, including calls, voicemails, emails, and letters.
Court Summons Ignored
Littler was summonsed to appear before the court on Monday to explain his absence, but he again did not attend. In his absence, Judge Brian Cummings KC imposed the maximum fine of £1,000, warning that Littler could face 30 days in prison if he fails to pay within 56 days.
Judge Cummings stated: "In the absence of any explanation, he has plainly committed an offence contrary to relevant provision of the Juries Act. Because he has neither attended nor provided any information by any other means, the court has no information regarding his means. I therefore fine him the maximum amount, a fine of £1,000, to be paid in full within 56 days of today. In default of payment, there will be a default sentence of 30 days' imprisonment."
Previous Cases of Juror Non-Attendance
This is not the first time prospective jurors have faced penalties for failing to attend. In March last year, Jonathan Ball from Southport was fined £1,000 for refusing to serve, claiming he was a "right wing anarchist." In June, Paul Jacobs from Clubmoor was fined £200 after claiming he had broken his wrist the day before his service. Andrew Broda from Toxteth was fined £250 for stating he had "no interest" in being a juror.
In November, Bradley Brady from Netherley was fined £250 for saying he "wasn't in the right headspace" for jury duty. Kevin Hewitt from Bootle received the same fine after his health-related request to be excused was rejected due to lack of medical evidence. Lewis Cahill from Clubmoor was also fined £250, citing that the timing "wasn't ideal." Student Mohammed Ali from Liverpool city centre was fined £500 for failing to respond to his summons.
In April this year, Dale Howarth from Warrington was fined £500 after refusing jury duty, claiming he would be recognised driving his "bright pink car" and that he had been declared bankrupt.
