The Jury in tears as real case is revealed after verdict

Cast members of The Jury were last night brought to tears as the outcome of the real case upon which it was based was revealed to them.

The SBS series, produced by Northern Pictures based on a UK format, was based on a NSW trial. Actors played the accused, judge, lawyers and prosecutors using actual transcripts to restage the trial.

But 12 everyday Australians were left to undertake the role of jurors and reach their own conclusion, in an experiment designed to study how juries worked.

Last night the jury was asked to reach a verdict, resulting in much debate over evidence, interpretation and elements of doubt. Not everyone was in agreement.

Following a verdict eventually delivered by the foreperson, the judge shared details of the actual case, which left some of the jury gob-smacked.

But it didn’t end there.

A video message from Phillip Leung, the gay Asian-Australian who was on trial following the death of his partner, Mario Guzzetti in 2007, was played to all in the court.

His story led to tears across the room -including jury, and actors in legal roles- in a powerful television moment.

The episode was dedicated to Mario Guzzetti’s family, but it is unknown if they agree with the SBS verdict.

You can read more on the SBS jury outcome and the real case here.

All 5 episodes are now available at SBS on Demand.