Jury problems force new trial of former Ammanford sub-postmistress (From South Wales Guardian)

Jury problems force new trial of former Ammanford sub-postmistress

3:30pm Friday 24th February 2012 in News

THE trial of the former Ammanford sub-postmistress accused of using stolen money has been halted suddenly.

Lorraine Johnson, aged 53, of 229 Llandeilo Road, Llandybie, will face a fresh trial as soon as it can be organised.

Johnson stands accused of using criminal property between November 2005 and November 2007. She denies the charge.

Johnson went on trial at Swansea Crown Court this week, but on Thursday Judge Paul Thomas was told that difficulties had arisen.

Onememberof the jury fell ill and was unable to continue, while a second realised she knew Johnson’s sister-in-law.

Judge Thomas said he was not prepared to continue the trial with only ten members of the jury and brought the proceedings to an end. Johnson was granted bail.

Johnson’s husband, Anthony Stewart Johnson, aged 62, has already admitted forgery and theft.

The offences he has admitted include stealing £139,976.90p from Chelliah Yoganathan, who runs a care home in Llanelli, between December 2005, and November 2007.

Hehas also admitted an offence of using criminal property – the money – and three offences of forging cheque stubs.

He will be sentenced after his wife’s trial.