[Krystal]

Source- Sympatico/MSN News

SYDNEY, Australia - A judge in Australia has halted a drug conspiracy trial after some of the jurors were found playing the puzzle game Sudoku.

Sydney District Court Judge Peter Zahra ended the trial Tuesday for two men facing possible life sentences on drug conspiracy charges.

The judge was alerted after jurors were observed writing vertically, rather than horizontally. It had been assumed they were taking notes while evidence was being given.

The trial had been running for 66 days and cost taxpayers an estimated $950,000.

A new trial is expected to begin in a few weeks.

Jurors in the trial are anonymous, and no action can be taken against them.

The jury foreman admitted to the judge that he and several other jurors were playing puzzle games for up to half the time the trial had been going on.

"Yes, it helps me keep my mind busy paying more attention," the jury foreman told the judge Tuesday.

"Some of the evidence is rather drawn out and I find it difficult to maintain my attention the whole time, and that (Sudoku playing) doesn't distract me too much from proceedings."

[Kathy]

LMAO!! Talk about a waste of taxpayer dollars!!! I love Sudoku too! However I think I'd control myself if it was a trial to possibly put someone away for life! Jeez..

[Snickerbug]

Originally Posted by Kathy

LMAO!! Talk about a waste of taxpayer dollars!!! I love Sudoku too! However I think I'd control myself if it was a trial to possibly put someone away for life! Jeez..

Tell me about it! Makes you feel a little bad for the ones getting in trouble, right? Hahah

[prettylynn]

Thats ALOT of money to waste. Im surprized they got away with it. Id also pay attention very closely if my decision could possibly cost someone their life. Jury duty is something that Im sure a lot of people dont like to do but should take seriously becuase it may have a big impact on another person and their families lifes.

[pinksugar]

so true, PrettyL, and it's not like you don't get paid for it, you are reimbursed!

It's funny though, I live in sydney and I have not heard that story here...

[Anthea]

I herd this on the radio this morning, would be nice to know if your on trial that everyone is paying attention to everything in the proceedings.

[Adrienne]

Man that is so wrong lol. id hate for them to be my jury if i was being falsely charge. i can just imagine "We, the jury, hereby find the defendent...Guilty. Look honey!! I finally completed a whole game! And it was on the difficult level!"