Two months of serving on the jury of a high-profile murder trial left Lee Thompson struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Witnessing disturbing and graphic evidence during the trial, including body-worn camera footage of a young child’s death scene, took a toll on Thompson’s mental health. He emphasized the need for better support for jurors who are exposed to such traumatic experiences, stating that the graphic nature of the evidence caught him off guard as an ordinary citizen.
Thompson described feeling unprepared for the level of violence he encountered during the trial, recalling the distressing scenes of police officers and paramedics trying to save the child’s life. Despite being offered counselling and NHS services by the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service, Thompson initially declined the assistance. However, months later, he began experiencing nightmares and flashbacks, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD in September 2024.
Acknowledging the challenges jurors face when exposed to distressing evidence, an NICTS spokesperson highlighted the importance of providing counselling services to those in need. Dr. Michael Duffy, an expert in PTSD, supported the call for increased support for jurors post-trials, noting the potential impact of vicarious trauma on mental health. Duffy suggested that screening potential jurors for prior trauma experiences could help prevent PTSD development.
Thompson’s journey to recovery involved seeking specialist counselling for his PTSD, which came at a cost but proved beneficial. He emphasized the need for ongoing, in-person support for jurors who have been exposed to traumatic evidence, emphasizing the importance of personal interaction with trained professionals. Despite the toll it took on his life and relationships, Thompson believes that greater support should be available to jurors like him to aid in their recovery process
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