Move to tackle backlog of trials

MURDER and rape trials will be listed for hearing in courts around the country from the end of next month in a bid to clear the backlog of cases suspended due to the Covid-19 lockdown, a High Court judge said yesterday.

All new jury trials were effectively suspended after the coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March.

Judge Paul McDermott told the Central Criminal Court that trials in front of a jury will take place from August 31 in various courts across the country.

He said that two courts have been made available in the Criminal Courts of Justice complex in Dublin which are compliant with safety measures to ensure social distancing that would allow trials before a jury to resume.

Judge McDermott said trials will be listed to take place in Dublin and Cork for five weeks from the end of August, while courts in Limerick, Waterford and Castlebar in Co. Mayo are available for a shorter period. He said even with trials resuming in courts across the country, this is only addressing 25% of the adjourned cases.

Judge McDermott said two trials will begin initially in Dublin on July 20, with the safety protocols put in place being tested.

He said that on June 12 there were 51 murder trials on the Central Criminal Court list and that by the end of this month there will be more again, with many of the accused remaining in custody while trials ceased.

Judge McDermott said the situation was upsetting for complainants, their families and those left bereaved. He said progress had been made in recent months, and that buildings had been assessed and adapted with screens and other measures to allow adequate spacing for jury members and others who would be attending court.

51 murder cases on court list