Defering jury service because of distance

[texol]

My father in law is 64 and has been summoned for jury service, he lives 30 miles from the court in a very rural area, buses to the main town do not travel through the village so he would have to get a taxi to the main town (approx £10) and then a train from the main town to the city (approx £20 return), we estimate his expenses to be approx £40 per day just for travelling, he had to come out of work a year ago due to ill health but has now been passed fit and healthy but has yet to find employment as where he lives and his age go against him so is curently on unemployment benefit. The journey would take him about two hours each way, could this be grounds for not having to do the jury service?

[factor-fiction]

I thought you could get travel costs reimbursed?

[texol]

i know that factor 30 but they do not reinburse you until the end of the week so he would have to pay himself and the travel cost would be almost all of his benefits used

[factor-fiction]

yeah but, no but...
If you can't lend him the money it might be worth ringing up and asking whether he can be paid upfront or if they have any other ideas.

[TonyV]

Tex - if you look at this PDF then is item 9 page 5 of any use?
http://www.hmcourts-s.../js_guidance_0709.pdf

[margaret-nice]

Hi there I have done jury service. If you phone the court I think you will find them very helpful. There is usually a number you can ring for advice. They wil soon tell you if this is grounds for not doing jury service. Be honest with them is what I would advise.

[Jemisa]

Have a word with his doctor, he will write a letter to the court for him. (Doc may charge for this service)

jem