Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Paula Llewellyn, has sought to again bring attention to the shortage of jurors plaguing the local courts.

Citing last Tuesday's opening of the St Catherine Circuit Court as an example, Llewellyn revealed that only 27 persons were present for jury duty. She told The Gleaner-Power 106 News Centre on Sunday that four out of the 27 had a medical certificate which excused them from serving.

sexual offences

The nation's chief prosecutor revealed that it was a similar story in St James, although she could not immediately provide the figures.

Llewellyn says the St Catherine Circuit Court opened with 24 murders and 111 sexual offences listed among the 169 matters down for jury trial.

However, she said of the 390 jury summons that were sent out, only 40 were returned as having been served.

As a result, she lamented that persons who are summoned for jury duty were not playing their part as responsible citizens to help bring criminals to justice.