In what has become the most bizarre mishap in jury duty history, 4-year-old Beatrice Ball, has been sent a letter to attend a trial at Bristol Crown Court in Bristol, England.

Beatrice's mother Sam said: "She found it hilarious. Beatrice is bright for her age but this is ridiculous.

"She knows what jury service is because her granddad was recently sent a summons and explained to her what he had to do."

Civil servants responsible for issuing jury summonses blamed Bristol city council for the mix-up. Beatrice's mother contacted officials to explain, who had excused the young girl from attending.