B.C. Supreme Court Justice James Williams told the jury at the Robert William Pickton murder trial Wednesday that allegations have been made that one member of the panel talked about the case outside the court.
Williams reminded jurors of their responsibilities, including that they not talk about the case with anyone and that each one keep an open mind.
"I want to take a moment and remind you of something that I told you at the very outset," Williams told the jury, "and I think if I am not mistaken, I have provided you with written instructions. I am going to make reference to three paragraphs of the instructions I gave you at the very beginning."
Williams did not release details of the incident, nor did he name the juror. Instead, he told the jury he had already conducted an inquiry into the allegations and is satisfied that the trial can continue with all 12 jurors.
CBC News learned on Tuesday that the court met on Thanksgiving Monday, a holiday, for what seemed to be a secret session.
No media outlets were informed of the hearing, and the jury was not present. The substance of the hearing was not reportable.
On Tuesday, the trial at the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, B.C., was adjourned because a juror was ill.
There are reports the Monday session lasted several hours, with Crown and defence lawyers present, along with Pickton.
Pickton is facing a total of 26 charges of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of women from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. He is currently on trial for six of the deaths and will be tried on the remaining 20 later.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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