LEADING JUDGE IN TWO-WEEK ISOLATION

A crown court judge is self-isolating for two weeks amid the coronavirus outbreak.

His Honour Mark Weekes, 45, who has presided over countless high-profile criminal cases, was absent from Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday. Standing in, resident and brother-judge Simon James told the court the judicial system is experiencing “unprecedented times”.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson pleaded with the population on Monday to work from home and avoid pubs, clubs, and theatres, ahead of the number of deaths in the UK rising to 71 the following day. On Tuesday, Judge James told counsel the court is now operating with three of its five judges and one trial could be delayed for two weeks. “Something has to give and this is one of those things,” he said.

Government guidelines stress the business of courts and tribunals should continue. “Any changes to individual hearings will be communicated directly to those affected in the usual way, usually by email and or phone,” a spokesman said. Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has echoed the government’s calls for vigilance. Those experiencing a high temperature or new persistent cough must self-isolate.

The spokesman added: “As long as you, or the people who are coming to court with you, do not have confirmed or possible coronavirus infection or do not need to self-isolate in line with NHS advice, you should continue to use courts and tribunals as usual. This includes those attending for jury service. “However, if you, or the people who are coming to court with you, do have confirmed or possible coronavirus infection or need to self-isolate in line with NHS advice, you should contact the court or tribunal in which the hearing is due to take place.”