A high-profile trial involving allegations of sexual offenses against two teenage girls in Rochdale has ended in collapse after jurors were found to be discussing the case on WhatsApp, raising serious questions about the integrity of the proceedings. The case, heard at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, involved six men accused of crimes committed between 2008 and 2011.
It emerged that jurors, explicitly instructed not to conduct independant research or discuss the case outside of official deliberations, had been exchanging messages about a broadcast concerning grooming gangs. Judge matthew Corbett-Jones agreed with defence counsel that this behavior created “real concerns” about the jury’s ability to adhere to legal directions.
Court records reveal that one juror cautioned against watching the broadcast, stating it contradicted the judge’s instructions. However, another juror responded with a defiant, “I’m going to watch it anyway,” accompanied by a smiley emoji. A third juror subsequently indicated they would also view the broadcast.
the issue came to light when a juror reported the WhatsApp group to court officials, prompting an immediate investigation. The two jurors who admitted intending to watch the broadcast were questioned and maintained they had not actually done so. Defence lawyers suggested the possibility of dishonesty, and the prosecution offered to have the judge further question the pair.
Ultimately, Judge Corbett-jones opted to discharge the jury, stating, “With considerable regret and disappointment, I have reached the conclusion that the multiplicity of problems which have now arisen and the uncertainty as regards these issues means that whatever course of action I take, unanswered questions remain.” He added that no viable course of action could resolve the “multi-layered difficulties” that had emerged.
Restrictions on reporting the reasons for the jury’s discharge were lifted on friday following a request from the Manchester evening News. A retrial has been scheduled for August.
Tahir Rashid, 54, and Mohammed Saleem, 46, both of Rochdale, Iftaq Hussain, 45, of Shawforth, and Sucklane Shah, 46, who is currently of no fixed abode, all deny charges of rape. Arshad Mohammed, 55, of Rochdale, denies rape and assault by penetration, while Amjad mahmood, 53, also of Rochdale, denies rape, indecent assault, indecency with a child, and assault by penetration. Rashid also pleaded not guilty to a separate rape allegation involving another young girl in the late 1980s.
What happens when a jury is discharged? A discharged jury means the trial cannot continue with that group of individuals. A new jury must be selected,and the trial will begin again,possibly delaying justice for those involved.
- The trial of six men accused of serious sexual offenses has been halted due to juror misconduct.
- Jurors were found to be discussing the case on WhatsApp, including a broadcast about grooming gangs.
- Judge Corbett-Jones discharged the jury, citing unresolved concerns about impartiality.
- A retrial is scheduled for August.
- The defendants deny all charges.
