Jury trials longer than three days postponed to stop "Russian roulette" spread of coronavirus

No new Crown Court trials will take place in Northampton if they are expected to last longer than three days in line with national advice.

Barristers across England and Wales yesterday urged the government to postpone jury trials to stop "Russian roulette" exposure of legal staff, jurors and the public to coronavirus.

Both Northampton Crown Court and Magistrates Court will continue to operate - but jury trials set to last for longer than three days listed before the end of April will be adjourned.

Pressure on the government and judiciary to stop new and halt ongoing jury trials has been growing, as jurors and court staff up and down the country heed government advice to self-isolate.

A statement from the Judicial Office said: 'In all jurisdictions, steps are being taken to enable as many hearings as possible to be conducted with some or all of the participants attending by telephone, video-link or online.'

However, Crown Courts - where jury trials of the most serious criminal cases take place - present particular problems because so many participants, judge, jury, defendants, witnesses, lawyers and court staff need to be present.

The statement continued: "Given the risks of a trial not being able to complete, the Lord Chief Justice has decided that no new trial should start in the Crown Court unless it is expected to last for three days or less.

"All cases estimated to last longer than three days listed to start before the end of April 2020 will be adjourned. These cases will be kept under review and the position regarding short trials will be revisited as circumstances develop and in any event next week. As events unfold decisions will be taken in respect of all cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court."

Trials that are under way will continue in the hope that they can be completed.

Those taking part should follow Public Heath England guidance "suitably adjusted to reflect the distinct features of a court as a working environment for all concerned, including jurors.".