Derbyshire courts start to creak as coronavirus pandemic hits county's legal system

Fears over the coronavirus pandemic are starting to have an impact on proceedings at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court.
By Andy. Done-Johnson
Published 18th Mar 2020, 11:45 GMT
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During proceedings on Tuesday, March 17, the case of a woman who was due to appear on shoplifting charges had to be adjourned because she is pregnant and currently self-isolating, the bench was told.

Meanwhile, the case of Polish man also was adjourned because he is currently back in his home country and not allowed to travel out of Poland.

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A third man who was also due to appear had to be told to go home by security staff after he told them that he had recently returned from Italy and his wife was showing symptoms of Covid-19.

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Cases had to be halted at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court because of the coronavirusCases had to be halted at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court because of the coronavirus
Cases had to be halted at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court because of the coronavirus

It is yet unclear how legal proceedings will proceed in the days and weeks ahead, but it is anticipated that courts may only deal with essential business.

On Monday, at Derby Crown Court, cases were adjourned and juries were not sworn in.