A FISHERMAN jailed for 24 years for his part in a massive cocaine smuggling plot has claimed he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice, the Court of Appeal heard today (Wednesday).
Jamie Peter Green, of Yarmouth, was one of five men jailed last year in connection with a plot to smuggle £50 million worth of cocaine into the UK, using lobster pots.
Judges sitting at the Court of Appeal today ruled that the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates potential miscarriages of justice, should continue to investigate claims surrounding a statement by an unnamed juror, referred to as Juror Nine.
Eight jurors have been interviewed in relation to Juror Nine's statement and today's hearing was told there was no evidence to back up Juror Nine's claims.
However, Julian Christopher QC, who represented Green, 44, of Newport Road, at his trial told the court: "It is not an account which can safely, or fairly, be written off as a disgruntled juror's dissatisfaction with the verdict."
Lady Justice Hallett allowed an application for the CCRC to continue its investigation, including interviewing the remaining jurors.
She directed an appeal hearing be heard on one day in October, but warned Green via video link, not to get his hopes up.