A poor turnout of potential jurors for a week of trials in Napier District Court means some members of a panel which started a robbery trial yesterday could go straight from delivering a verdict to hearing evidence in a new trial.
Judge Jonathan Down said that because of the "poor response" from the number summoned there were not enough for the week and jurors in the trial, expected to end today, may have to present themselves immediately afterwards for possible service in another trial.
He said it was likely some would hear both cases.
About 25 of those originally summoned for jury service this week were present for the start of the first trial yesterday, 15 names being called before a panel of 12 was installed.
One of the 15 was challenged by Crown prosecutor Josh Lucas, two were challenged by defence counsel Roger Phillip and a woman apparently seeking to be excused had a prolonged discussion with the judge before taking a place on the jury.