Legal history as judge tries manslaughter case alone

A judge will try a case alone after dismissing the jury over corruption fears using seldom-seen legal powers.

Mr Justice Goss made the decision after jurors in a ‘cash-for-crash’ case were allegedly offered bribes outside the courtroom.

Leeds Crown Court heard that three jurors were approached and offered £500 in exchange for not guilty verdicts on Tuesday (February 21).

Another juror reported that a man had offered him a bribe in exchange for an opposing verdict, and a fifth said they were followed by a man holding money.

The previous day, a man had also been seen filming the jurors when they were forced to evacuate the court after a fire alarm was deliberately activated.

The case was adjourned and will continue on Monday (February 27).

Three men – Sabbir Hussain, 25, Raja Hussain, 30, and Shahrear Islam-Miah, 26, are accused of the 2014 manslaughter of Betty Laird.

The 88-year-old suffered fatal spinal injuries when the defendants allegedly crashed into her car on purpose in Beeston, Leeds.

The court was told that the men intended to make fraudulent injury claims in a ‘cash for crash’ scam.

A fourth man, Muhammed Ubaidullah, has already pleaded guilty.

Mr Justice Goss’ actions mark the second time a judge will hear a case alone since the introduction of new powers under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

In 2010, four men who robbed a warehouse at Heathrow Airport were sentenced without a jury over allegations of interference.

The case was described at the time as “breaking legal history”.