Jury sworn in at Belfast trial for first time since the start of lockdown
NORTHERN Ireland’s first socially distanced trial commenced in Belfast yesterday in a specifically-adapted courtroom.
Like so many other sectors, court business has been impacted by the current Covid-19 pandemic, and no trials have been held in the Crown Court since March’s lockdown.
However, following a series of adjustments and adaptations to the biggest court within Laaccommodate ganside Court Complex, a jury of 12 members were sworn and the first post-lockdown trial at Belfast Crown Court was able to proceed.
The recommencement of jury trials marks the latest stage in the recovery of the justice system following the easing of restrictions put in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister Naomi Long said: “Jury trials are one of the cornerstones of our justice system and it is a hugely significant step that we are now in a position to
them again.”
Aaron Mclaverty (31) has been charged with possessing two offensive weapons and of wounding a man at a petrol station in west Belfast last July.
As Mclaverty, from Hollybrook Avenue in Newtownabbey, has been deemed unfit to stand trial and attend the hearing, the jury are not being asked to consider the evidence and return either a ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ verdict.
Instead, they are being asked to assess the evidence and determine whether or not Mclaverty did the acts he has been charged with. As he was excused from physically appearing in court, Mclaverty attended the hearing remotely via a videolink with his solicitor’s office.
The trial to determine if Mclaverty committed the act is being held in Court 12 at Laganside — the largest and most secure courtroom in the building which has been adapted to ensure safety and social distancing for all users.
Pre-covid, the jury’s area was located at the side of the court and consisted of two rows of benches seating six people per row.
As this would not adhere in any way to social distancing, the jury’s seating has now been moved to the centre of the court — the area which used to be occupied by barristers and solicitors.
In a complete transformation, this area has been divided into six separate sections using glass screens. Each separate section seats two jurors, who are spaced apart as per the social distancing requirements.
Before the pandemic, one Bible was passed round the jury for those who wished to take the oath. However, in the first trial to start since the pandemic, all 12 jurors were supplied with their own Bible and bottle of hand sanitiser.
A total of 11 out of the 12 people sworn onto the jury yesterday chose to swear an oath on the Bible. The wearing of face coverings in courts is optional, with some jurors choosing to wear masks throughout the hearing.
The trial to determine whether or not Aaron Mclaverty committed the acts of possessing an offensive weapon and of wounding a man with intent is expected to conclude on Thursday.