Pensioner arrested after Sheffield Crown Court trial halted due to 'alleged jury irregularity'
A 75-year-old former juror was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of two offences under the Juries Act 1974
A pensioner has been arrested after a trial involving serious sexual allegations had to be abandoned in its fifth week due to an "alleged jury irregularity".
South Yorkshire Police said a 75-year-old former juror was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of two offences under the Juries Act 1974 following a referral made to the Attorney General Lord Hermer by the Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC.
In November last year, Judge Richardson halted a trial at Sheffield Crown Court and told one of the jurors he would be making the referral.
On Thursday, South Yorkshire Police said in a statement: "On Wednesday January 28, a 75-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two offences under the Juries Act 1974, following a referral made to the attorney general.
"The juror was referred to the attorney general by Judge Jeremy Richardson KC in November 2025 after allegations arose during a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.
"The man has been arrested on suspicion of Research by Jurors contrary to S20A Juries Act 1974 and Sharing Research with other Jurors contrary to S20B Juries Act 1974.
"He has been bailed pending further inquiries."
The details of the trial, which had to be abandoned, cannot be reported, but Judge Richardson said in November: "A case which lasted 22 days involving serious sexual allegations was halted and the jury discharged."
The judge added: "The alleged jury irregularity has been referred to the attorney general for investigation."