The jury in the murder trial of Kevin Purtill has indicated it is unlikely to be able to reach a unanimous verdict. But the judge told them yesterday he would accept an 11–1 majority verdict, which is likely today.
Mr Purtill is charged with murdering Byron Bay businessman Jack Garda in Lennox Head in 2010 over an alleged drug deal.
Mr Purtill’s brother Warren is already serving time for being an accessory after the fact.
Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.
Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.
This is unusual… either he’s guilty or not guilty, beyond any doubt. How can a judge accept a verdict of 11-1? Will this set a precedent to say that trial-by-jury is now invalid anyway? Beyond all reasonable doubt means EVERYONE agrees, or there is reason to doubt.
A law allowing majority verdicts was passed some years ago by the Carr government.