Trial Of Peer (Press, 18 December 1953)

On 16 December 1953, a jury at the Winchester Assizes acquitted 27-year-old Lord Montagu of a serious charge related to a homosexual offence against a 14-year-old boy scout. However, they were unable to reach a verdict on a lesser charge of indecent assault. The trial, overseen by Mr Justice Lynskey, had commenced on 14 December and included a request to keep the names of the minors involved confidential. During their deliberations, the jury spent 40 minutes considering the evidence before requesting to hear from a fourth member of the bathing party associated with the alleged offences. Mr Justice Lynskey denied this request as the individual had not been called to testify by either the prosecution or defence, emphasising that the jury had to base their decision solely on the evidence presented. After deliberating for an additional hour and a half, the jury acquitted Lord Montagu of the more serious charge, indicating a division on the lesser charge with seven jurors in favour of conviction and five opposed. As a result, the judge discharged the jury and decided to postpone further proceedings. The case on the lesser charge is scheduled to be retried at the next Assizes in March 1954, with a new jury set to examine the allegations against Lord Montagu.

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