Australian judge halts drug trial because jurors were playing Sudoku

Sydney District Court Judge Peter Zahra ended the trial Tuesday for two men facing possible life sentences on drug conspiracy charges.

The judge was alerted after jurors were observed writing vertically, rather than horizontally. It had been assumed they were taking notes while evidence was being given.

The trial had been running for 66 days and cost taxpayers an estimated $950,000.

A new trial is expected to begin in a few weeks.

Jurors in the trial are anonymous, and no action can be taken against them.

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The jury foreman admitted to the judge that he and several other jurors were playing puzzle games for up to half the time the trial had been going on.

"Yes, it helps me keep my mind busy paying more attention," the jury foreman told the judge Tuesday.

"Some of the evidence is rather drawn out and I find it difficult to maintain my attention the whole time, and that (Sudoku playing) doesn't distract me too much from proceedings."