WALKERS on Wilton Road were left with a shock earlier today when they were asked if they had a spare week to sit on a crown court jury.

An elderly lady with her shopping and a man on his bicycle were among those who politely declined the offer.

Judge Andrew Barnett had sent his clerk and usher out into the street after a number of jurors had to pull out of service, leaving the court short of the mandatory 12 members.

A little-used part of the law allows for jury members to convened from outside the court building if the judge deems it necessary.

In the end, one member of the public was recruited after being stopped on the pavement, while the court was able to find another two who were willing to be transferred from jury service in Winchester.

They will be due to hear the case of Jordan White, 20, of Newmans Way, Bulford, who is accused of sexual assault.

The trial is expected to last four days and will begin this afternoon. White denies the charge.