Demonstrators risked arrest as they took part in a protest outside crown courts across south Essex in support of the "Defend our Juries" campaign.

Residents staged protests outside both Basildon and Southend crown courts on Tuesday holding up signs featuring the message “jury equity” and other slogans. 

Similar protests were held across the country and were organised to support the centuries-old right of all jurors in British courtrooms to acquit a defendant according to their conscience and irrespective of the judge’s directions.
 

Echo: Protesters were also outside Southend Crown CourtProtesters were also outside Southend Crown Court (Image: Defend our Juries)

 

Laura, a 71-year-old retired social worker who participated in the south Essex demonstrations, said: “It is important that everyone understands how vital jury trials are to our democracy.

“They are a way of making sure that justice prevails and decisions are made by a group of our peers.

“For hundreds of years ordinary people have sat in judgement on their fellow citizens.

“The messages on the signs we held were taken directly from a plaque on the wall of the Old Bailey.

“Juries must be informed of their right to acquit according to their conscience.

“Removing this right of trial by an informed jury opens the door to political interference and potential dictatorship.”

Echo: The Defend Our Juries protest outside Southend Crown CourtThe Defend Our Juries protest outside Southend Crown Court (Image: NWA Photography)

By displaying these signs, the group ran the risk of being arrested by police.

In September, the Solicitor General publicised his intent to prosecute Trudi Warner, a 68-year-old retired social worker, for contempt of court after she held an identical sign outside Inner London Crown Court in March.

Today a hearing will take place at the Royal Courts of Justice for the Attorney General’s application to possibly imprison Warner.

Following the Solicitor General’s announcement to prosecute Warner, 252 individuals united in protest across 25 crown courts throughout England and Wales.

Similar events were held in December, with approximately 500 individuals participating nationwide. None were arrested, and police inquiries have either been discontinued or ceased.

In February 300 people signed a letter to the new Solicitor General stating: “Since you’re prosecuting Trudi Warner, you should prosecute us too”.