HC Deb 06 November 2001 vol 374 cc201-2W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if jurors have the option of being escorted in and out of court(a) by separate entrances and (b) at different times from the rest of the public.[12428]

Mr. Wills

Twelve Crown court centres have separate entrances used only by jurors, but most other courts can arrange for them to use a separate entrance if it is felt necessary. Arrangements can also be made for jurors to be escorted in and out of the building, and at different times from the rest of the public, if the need arises.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is done to prevent threatening behaviour from the families of convicted defendants toward jurors(a) in and (b) outside court.[12427]

Mr. Wills

Separate accommodation is made available for jurors until they are ready to leave the court building. If there is any threat of retribution, or if the jurors are concerned about their safety, arrangements can be made to transfer them safely away from the vicinity of the court.