Coronavirus hits Queensland courts with all jury trials suspended

Brisbane Magistrates Court has introduced social distancing measures in some courtrooms as no new jury trials will start in the Supreme and District courts for the foreseeable future in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus.

BRISBANE Magistrates Court has introduced social distancing measures in some courtrooms to limit the risk of Coronavirus.

There were signs posted on courtroom doors at Brisbane Magistrates Court in George St, Brisbane, today saying there were no duty lawyer services available “until further notice”.

At the same court magistrates were only allowing prosecutors and lawyers in the courtrooms during a callover of cases.

“To limit the potential risk of Covid 19, the Brisbane Magistrates Court is adopting social distancing practices in courtrooms,” a sign on a courtroom door said.

“Please ensure there are no more than five parties in the courtroom at any time,” the notice, addressed to legal practitioners and parties, said.

The courtrooms usually are full of people waiting for their cases to be heard.

People asking for adjournments were being told their cases would have to be adjourned for at least three months.

On Monday it was announced Queensland would suspend all new jury trials for the foreseeable future amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Criminal trials that have already started before a jury in the Supreme and District Courts will continue until their conclusion however no new trials will start.

Other cases will still proceed as scheduled but a court spokesman said courts are considering further adjustments to their procedures in order to deal with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.

PM to put out plan to stop effect of coronavirus on businesses amid death toll prediction

Queensland events cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus

Ramsaroop Sharma (right), the father of the slain bus driver Manmeet Alisher, is seen protesting with family and friends outside the Supreme Court in Brisbane. Picture: Darren England

“The courts will continue to monitor closely the advice being provided by government health authorities and act accordingly,” a statement from the court said.

“Community safety will always be a priority.”

It comes as a major coronial inquest has been cancelled and the government is investigating contingency plans for the justice system amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The inquest into the petrol-bomb killing of Indian bus driver Manmeet Sharma had been due to begin in Brisbane tomorrow but was delayed amid the COVID-19 related travel restrictions.

Mr Manmeet’s family had been planning to attend the inquest from India but would have been forced to self-isolate for 14 days and been unable to attend.

A Townsville murder trial was also called off this morning after revelations a Townsville barrister was asked to self-isolated while his nurse wife is being tested for coronavirus.

The trial of Daniel Andrew Novley was due to begin today, but court proceedings were halted before a jury could be empanelled after the defence barrister’s wife presented to be tested for the virus.

A spokesman for Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the government was investigating how to keep the cogs of justice turning during the pandemic.

“The government is looking at all contingencies going forward and we’re working with the judiciary and acting on the most up to date advice from health professionals,” a spokesman said.

“All decisions will be made in the best interests and to protect the wellbeing of people coming into contact with the courts.”