Jurors in the first trial to be held at Winchester Crown Court following the lockdown will have to take their own holy book to swear their legal oath, a court has heard.
Preparations were made by Judge Keith Cutler for the trial of 28-year-old Errol Robinson, of Wellesley Road, Sutton, Surrey, who is charged with rape and assault by penetration.
The courtroom has been divided up to allow jurors and barristers to maintain two-metre distancing, with a second courtroom set up as an assembly and deliberation area for the jurors.
Judge Cutler told the court that jurors and witnesses will be required to take their own holy books if they require them for the oath, otherwise they will take a verbal affirmation.
They will also be required to take their own water to drink, he said.
He added that the social distancing measures are not required under the provision of the Coronavirus Act of Parliament but are being implemented to adhere to government guidance.
“There is a lot of fear out there. I do not want people to come here and feel they will be prosecuted for getting too close to people,” he said.
“What we are trying to do is to keep people as safe as we can within government guidance.”
The case was adjourned, with the jurors expected to arrive on Wednesday (May 27) for the opening of the trial by prosecutor Tom Wilkins.
Judge Cutler told the defendant: “Thank you for turning up; in terms of your bail, I renew your bail and you are required to be here in good time.”
