Trials stopped by heatwave

Jurors were sent home

Soaring temperatures caused disruption in court on Wednesday with the heat forcing two trials to be adjourned.

In one case, jurors deliberating a verdict described conditions as "intolerable".

Air conditioning at Leicester Crown Court struggled to cope and Judge John Burgess told a jury hearing an indecent assault case to go home at 1500 BST as temperatures nudged 77F (25C) in court one.

"I understand the air conditioning system cannot cope with the temperatures endured today," he told the panel.

"It would be far more humane to send you home and start again tomorrow."

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It was a similar story in court two where jurors deliberating verdicts at the end of a three-month trial sent a note to Judge Charles Wide QC.

The panel, in the second day of deliberations on charges against eight people accused of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, complained that conditions in the jury room were "intolerable".

They could not concentrate without air conditioning or windows being opened and the temperature inside was well into the 80s.

'Run' on air conditioners

As counsel and the judge discussed how to proceed, Sir Ivan Lawrence QC, for one of the defendants, suggested buying a portable air conditioning system like those on sale in markets "for about £100".

But Judge Wide said: "We have already made inquiries. It appears there has been a bit of a run on them."

Arrangements were then made to allow the jury to deliberate in the courtroom itself.

Documents were taken out and tables and chairs hastily brought in before the jury was sent home for the night to resume their discussions on Thursday.