Juror faces jail 'for revealing secrets'

A juror could be sent to jail for contempt of court for allegedly revealing court secrets, including how members of a jury voted.

The Attorney General has been given permission to take the rare step of applying to have the man imprisoned.

Keith Scotcher, a factory worker from Barking in Essex, is alleged to have written a letter containing confidential details to the mother of two defendants, who stood trial in London in February 2000.

Two senior judges have now given Lord Goldsmith QC permission to seek a High Court order committing Mr Scotcher to prison.

'Sympathetically'

Mr Scotcher is said to have disclosed "particulars of statements made, opinions expressed, arguments advanced and votes cast" by the jury during the trial of the two brothers.

Lord Goldsmith indicated through his lawyers Mr Scotcher would be treated "sympathetically" if he wanted more time to prepare his defence.

Lord Justice Kennedy said Mr Scotcher had been ruled ineligible for legal aid, and so far his solicitors were working on a "pro bono" basis, offering their services for free.