Madonna was dismissed by a Manhattan court yesterday when she turned up for jury duty, before she even got the chance to hear a case.

Speaking about the decision to let the 'Like a Virgin' superstar leave, court spokesperson David Bookstaver told reporters that the idea was to avoid creating "a distraction to other jurors or the business of the court."

Mr. Bookstaver did thank Madonna for taking the time to show up in the first place, despite the fact that she didn't have to take part in the end.

"The greater good here is that her appearance really goes to show that everyone gets called... She got credit for her service and we're delighted she came," he said.