Wolverhampton judge apologises for wrecking any romantic plans by asking jurors to check with loved ones to reveal any surprise parties or getaways ahead of murder trial
A judge told prospective jurors in a major Wolverhampton case to check with loved ones about any surprise getaways after a previous trial collapsed last summer due to holiday commitments.
Judge Jonathan Gosling was forced to stop the attempted murder trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court last spring due to three jurors have pre-booked holidays.
The trial was listed for three weeks, but the prosecution case was still being presented after four weeks. With the prospect of all six defendants requiring cross-examination the trial could have taken months not weeks.
Michael Soledolu, Richard Beckles, Constantine Campbell, Khyle Gayle, Claire Evans and Cleon Johnson are standing trial for attempted murder this week.
The six are accused of organising the shooting of a man in his 40s in Minerva Lane, off Lower Horseley Fields, in Wolverhampton on September 18, 2024.
This latest trial has been slated for five weeks. However, the first day faced delays due to prisoners not being delivered to the court from prison and one defendant not having legal representation.
A group of potential jurors were picked but before being dismissed for the day Judge Gosling had one request of them.
He said: "This case will last five weeks, I want you to go home and ask your loved ones if they have organised a surprise party or holiday for you in the next few months.
"I know it might ruin a surprise but this has happened to me with a case before so I ask if you could do that and we will hopefully get started in the morning."
Soledolu, aged 34 of Walmead Croft, Birmingham; Beckles, aged 45, and Evans, both of Wavertree Close, Telford; Gayle aged 32, of Greenford House, Birmingham; Johnson, aged 40, of Sparrows Forge Drive, Walsall; Campbell, aged 52, of Puddlers Drive, Tipton, deny attempted murder.