Although the court did not proceed with trial process but it went on to constitute a 12-man panel of jurors to assist in the trial of Alfred Koroma, an alleged murder.
Admonishing jurors on the essence of punctuality and secrecy of evidence adduced by the court, Justice Sesay, stated that the offence of murder hanging over the accused was very serious, and if found guilty, he would face the gallows.
He urged the jurors not to discuss evidence adduced by the court during proceedings with any person, except with colleague jurors, noting that jurors owed a sacred duty to maintain secrecy, credibility and ensure punctuality throughout the proceedings.
He recounted that he had a bitter experience with jurors in other murder matters he had adjudicated and done with, adding that the law required that a murder trial should not be adjudicated by a judge, even if one of the jurors was absent.
Justice Sesay said that he was a tolerant Judge, but that jurors should not take advantage of his tolerance and simplicity and further implored them to make themselves available in court on every adjourned date, as their presence was very crucial and significant in determining the guilt or innocence of accused persons facing such grave capital offences.
The matter comes up again on 14 November 2016.
