SNORING JUDGE DERAILS DRUGS CASE!
Australia's High Court has overturned the convictions of two alleged drug traffickers, because the judge in their original trial repeatedly fell asleep.
The court heard that the judge slept for up to 20 minutes at a time and sometimes snored, distracting the jury.
At the end of the 2004 trial, Rafael Cesan and Ruben Mas Rivadavia were convicted of importing ecstasy, but now face a retrial.
Judge Ian Dodd has since been diagnosed with a condition known as sleep apnoea.
"Where the judge is noticeably and repeatedly asleep or inattentive during the trial, there can be a miscarriage of justice," said Chief Justice Robert French.
The High Court heard that members of the jury were visibly distracted and sometimes amused, while court officials resorted to dropping documents loudly in a bid to wake the napping judge.
The 11 to 13-year sentences given to the two men have been cancelled, along with their convictions.
BBC NEWS REPORT.The court heard that the judge slept for up to 20 minutes at a time and sometimes snored, distracting the jury.
At the end of the 2004 trial, Rafael Cesan and Ruben Mas Rivadavia were convicted of importing ecstasy, but now face a retrial.
Judge Ian Dodd has since been diagnosed with a condition known as sleep apnoea.
"Where the judge is noticeably and repeatedly asleep or inattentive during the trial, there can be a miscarriage of justice," said Chief Justice Robert French.
The High Court heard that members of the jury were visibly distracted and sometimes amused, while court officials resorted to dropping documents loudly in a bid to wake the napping judge.
The 11 to 13-year sentences given to the two men have been cancelled, along with their convictions.
Labels: Australia Drugs Traffickers Asleep Trial Jury Retrial Ecstacy Miscarriage High-Court Convictions
posted by jackaranda at 6:52 pm
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