This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-33537999

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Juror who admitted sex case internet search avoid jail Juror who admitted sex case internet search avoids jail
(about 4 hours later)
A woman who admitted researching the defendant in a case where she was a juror has avoided jail after appearing at the High Court in London.A woman who admitted researching the defendant in a case where she was a juror has avoided jail after appearing at the High Court in London.
Charlotte Potts was the forewoman of a jury hearing a sexual assault case which took place in Preston between 4 and 6 of November 2014.Charlotte Potts was the forewoman of a jury hearing a sexual assault case which took place in Preston between 4 and 6 of November 2014.
She admitted being in contempt of court after "Googling" the defendant's name which is prohibited under English law.She admitted being in contempt of court after "Googling" the defendant's name which is prohibited under English law.
Ms Potts was sentenced to a six-month jail sentence suspended for 12 months.Ms Potts was sentenced to a six-month jail sentence suspended for 12 months.
Her actions came to light after she changed her stance on the case and revealed what she had done to fellow jurors during their deliberations.Her actions came to light after she changed her stance on the case and revealed what she had done to fellow jurors during their deliberations.
In the case against her, brought by the Attorney General, the High Court heard she "did not know why she had done it... she knew it was wrong and was very sorry".In the case against her, brought by the Attorney General, the High Court heard she "did not know why she had done it... she knew it was wrong and was very sorry".
The jury was dismissed and the defendant was eventually acquitted, although the court heard this was because of issues with evidence, and not the actions of Ms Potts.The jury was dismissed and the defendant was eventually acquitted, although the court heard this was because of issues with evidence, and not the actions of Ms Potts.
The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales said the courts had to take a very firm view of such cases, and that it did indeed pass the threshold for a custodial sentence.The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales said the courts had to take a very firm view of such cases, and that it did indeed pass the threshold for a custodial sentence.
However, in sentencing, the judge said he had given weight to Ms Potts early admission of what she had done and her "genuine" expressions of regret.However, in sentencing, the judge said he had given weight to Ms Potts early admission of what she had done and her "genuine" expressions of regret.