Exclusion of jurors from certain geographic areas was sensible in attempted theft case

Criminal law – appeal of conspiracy and theft convictions – s. 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 – s. 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 – whether the trial judge erred in principle and in law by excluding from the panel of potential jurors resident in Ballymun, Finglas and Cabra – directions given in relation to the empanelling of the jury – appellant and his co-accused, as well as the deceased, were strongly associated with the relevant areas in Dublin – law relating to the composition of juries – Article 38.4.5 – section 6 of the Juries Act 1976 – section 26 of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act 1961 – section 32 of the Courts and Courts Officers Act 1995 – decision of the judge to accede to an application to exclude persons living within a particular area from service on the jury in what might be described as a blanket ruling – Circuit Court judge acted appropriately and was entitled to make a measured, practical and sensible decision in relation to the empanelling of the jury – appeal dismissed.