Jurors warned of verdict lock-in

The Maxwell Trial; Day 105

JOHN WILLCOCK

The Maxwell trial jury of seven women and five men may find their Christmas shopping days limited.

Lord Justice Phillips told them yesterday, at the conclusion of evidence in the marathon case, that he expects to begin summing up on Monday 11 December.

He did not tell the Old Bailey jury how long he will be but indicated that once the jurors had been sent out to consider their verdict he would expect them to continue deliberations, even at the weekend.

The judge said that it was usual in cases where no verdict had been reached after the first day for the jury to stay in a hotel until they had decided. He said that if this presented any difficulties they should tel him, and they might be allowed to stay at home instead.

Lord Justice Phillips added he was being sworn in as a Privy Councillor on Thursday morning and therefore the trial would resume in the afternoon.

The jury was also told on day 105 of the case that neither Ian Maxwell nor the former Maxwell aide Larry Trachtenberg will be giving evidence in their own defence. Ian's younger brother, Kevin, was in the witness box for 21 days.

Final speeches by counsel are expected to begin today, beginning with Alan Suckling QC for the prosecution. The two Maxwell brothers and Mr trachtenberg all deny conspiracy to defraud by misuse of pension fund assets.

The trial continues today.