Another juror’s illness delays trial of Guy Sebastian’s former manager Titus Day

Another issue has sensationally stopped the trial of Guy Sebastian’s ex-manager in its tracks, with a judge warning of more potential problems.

The trial of Guy Sebastian’s ex-manager has been stopped in its tracks again after another juror became ill.

Titus Day, 49, is on trial in the NSW District Court, accused of fraudulently embezzling about $900,000 in payments that the singer was allegedly due to be paid on 50 occasions.

When the jury returned to continue the trial on Monday, Judge Tim Gartelmann SC said they would be sent home again because one of them was missing.

Guy Sebastian and Titus Day parted ways in 2017 after a bitter relationship breakdown. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

“I’ve been informed the missing juror is ill,” he said.

“I do have the power to discharge an individual juror, but it seems to me premature to do that just now.

“We hope the juror concerned will be well for his or her own sake and able to carry on with the trial as soon as practicable. There is little we can do today in his or her absence.”

Judge Gartelmann said while the trial could possibly resume on Tuesday, that was not a certainty.

“I propose to request that you telephone the court officer later this afternoon, perhaps at around 3pm, when we may have some update as to whether or not we’ll be in a position to sit tomorrow,” he said.

Titus Day denies any wrongdoing and claims Guy Sebastian owes him money. Picture: Richard Dobson

“It is regrettable but these things happen and the longer the trial the more likely it is that things like this will arise from time to time … it is just part of life.”

The latest delay comes after the original judge presiding over the case died before Mr Sebastian was due to give evidence.

Further delays were triggered after a juror was rushed to hospital after suffering a suspected allergic reaction to food during a lunch break.

Mr Sebastian also tested positive to Covid and could not give evidence for seven days.

The Crown prosecutor in the trial also contracted Covid, but he was able to continue to appear via audiovisual link.

The trial was originally due to conclude by mid-June.

Originally published as Another juror’s illness delays trial of Guy Sebastian’s former manager Titus Day