Jury discharged in case of Chesterfield man accused of murdering and dismembering popular pensioner

One of the barristers involved in the trial of Daniel Walsh has been forced to go into self-isolation, as has at least one member of the jury, it has emerged.

The move forced Judge Normal Shant QC, who was presiding over the 30-year-old’s case at Derby Crown Court to dismiss the jury.

A hearing currently scheduled for this week should decide when a fresh trial will begin again.

At the time of the decision late last week, guidance from the Government is that trials currently listed to last three days or more, as this one is, will be adjourned for the forseeable future because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

But in another development announced on Monday, March 23, the Lord Chief Justice extended the restriction, all jury trials have been suspended until they can be conducted safely.

In a letter to judges and magistrates, Lord Burnett said the decision was made to "ensure social distancing in court" amid the ongoing spread of coronavirus.

But he added that, where safe to do so, "efforts to bring existing jury trials to a conclusion should continue".

Walsh has admitted he dismembered Mr Snell with two saws he bought from a DIY store before burying body parts in woodland and down a badger sett in Chesterfield.

Walsh, of Marsden Street, denies murder.