The trial of Princess Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell came to a surprise halt yesterday - after just three days - as the judge called for the jury to be replaced for “legal reasons”. A new jury was then sworn in.
Burrell is on trial for allegedly having removed 310 items belonging to Diana or close members of her family from the Princess’s quarters in the eight months prior to her death and the 10 months afterwards. He denies the three counts of theft with which he is charged.
The original jurors – four men and eight women – had only heard the prosecution opening and part of the first witness’ evidence when they were discharged. As news of the decision was announced in court, Burrell, dressed in a smart dark suit with silver buttons, sat motionless. He later watched as the new jury was sworn in.
In addressing the new jurors, who have been warned that the case could last up to six weeks, judge Mrs Justice Rafferty said: “Put out of your mind anything you have read, heard or seen. Give yourselves a clean slate, and concentrate on what you now have to do.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
