Crime & Law

Level 5 would halt new juries being sworn in for Central Criminal Court – judge

Judge says at Level 4 juries could be selected from smaller panels to allow social distancing

Photograph: Dave Meehan/The Irish Times

Eoin Reynolds
Mon Oct 19 2020 - 13:01

No new juries will be sworn to hear trials at the Central Criminal Court if the Government opts to move Covid-19 restrictions to Level 5, it has emerged on Monday.

Mr Justice Michael White said trials can continue during Level 4 restrictions with juries to be selected from smaller panels to allow for social distancing.

Under Level 5 no new juries will be sworn but trials that are already underway will continue.

It remains to be seen what will happen if the Government opts for a hybrid of Levels 4 and 5. The system outlined by the judge on Monday morning mirrors that undertaken during the first lockdown when ongoing trials, including that of garda murderer Aaron Brady, were allowed to conclude.

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There are currently a number of trials ongoing before the Central Criminal Court in Dublin and around the country.

A further statement from the Courts Service is expected later on Monday.

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