Justice achieved.

Siôn Jenkins’ second retrial ended on 9 February 2006. The retrial had lasted three months.

In the end the jury failed to reach a majority verdict in spite of nearly forty hours of deliberation. The prosecution evidence could not convince them of his guilt.

Siôn Jenkins’ conviction was overturned on appeal in 2004. The fact that a retrial was called reflects the system’s reluctance to acknowledge that it had made a mistake.

The jury at a retrial might—understandably—approach their task feeling that there must be something pointing to guilt—or why would there be a retrial at all? Afer all there’s no smoke…By the time a second retrial is reached the next jury must feel even more strongly the weight of their responsibilities. By this stage things are loaded in favour of the system: the majesty and force of the British legal system must outweigh the protestations of one individual.

In spite of everything, the jury, having considered the evidence for an immense length of time, were not sufficiently convinced by the prosecution case to convict Siôn Jenkins.

It is a tribute to the jury’s courage that despite the pressure they were under, they honestly acknowledged their inability to reach a majority verdict. The law—impartially—then took its appointed course.

The outcome was justice.