Deandre Somerville, 21, was summoned to his own court hearing after failing to show up for the civil trial where he was supposed to be a juror.

He told Judge John Kastrenakis in the Florida court that he “overslept” and “didn’t understand the seriousness” of jury duty, he later told WPTV.

Mr Somerville’s long lie – and his failure to contact the court to explain himself – led to a 45-minute delay in the civil case, according to The Mercury News.

He has completed his jail sentence but will now spend three months on probation and carry out 30 hours of community service.

As part of his community service, he will have to report to the jury office once a week to deliver a 10-minute talk on the importance of jury duty.