officers yesterday after a detective was seen sticking his head into the jury room when jurors were inside.

In the end Mr. Justice Ground found that the jury -- which had just begun its consideration of the fate of convicted murderers Sheldon Franks and Teiko Furbert -- had not been tampered with.

He said: "It is unfortunate, but situations like this are bound to arise in a cramped place. But we have to work within its narrow confines.'' The jury had been released to consider its verdict at 12.50 p.m. after the bailiffs -- P.c. Suzette Tucker and P.c. Nakeisha Holdipp -- were sworn.

Defence lawyer Archie Warner said that he saw Det. Sgt. Tracy Adams with his head inside the jury room soon after it had been sent out.

Subsequently, he complained to Mr. Justice Ground who convened the court -- minus the jurors -- at 2.30 p.m. to look into these allegations.

Det. Sgt. Adams rejected the allegation that he had poked his head into the jury room. He said that he was passing by the jury room door when he heard one of the jury bailiffs call his name.

"At that time I indicated to Sgt. (John) Dunleavy because I wanted to get his attention to let him know he was wanted in the jury area,'' he said.

Under cross examination from Mr. Warner, Det. Sgt. Adams said he was trying to get Sgt. Dunleavy's attention when he heard his name called.

Sgt. Dunleavy was just outside the jury room and its door was ajar.

Det. Sgt. Adams said he was outside the jury room preparing antecedent forms with Det. Con. Kevin Christopher. Mr. Justice Ground said: "Do you not think that was an astonishingly stupid thing to do?'' Det. Sgt. Adams agreed and changed his mind. He then said he was asking Det.

Con. Christopher whether antecedent forms were being prepared.

Meanwhile, Sgt. Dunleavy and both jury bailiffs testified and said there was never any communication or interference with the jury.

Mr. Justice Ground accepted this account but he warned both lawyers and Police officers to be careful that incidents like this do not occur in future.

COURTS CTS