Trial of Milton Keynes man charged with sexually assaulted a child is put on hold due to coronavirus crisis

James Pirie from Milton Keynes was sat slumped in the dock expecting the first day of his trial to go ahead today (Wednesday) at Reading Crown Court.

But Judge Edward Burgess QC was compelled to adjourn proceedings against the 37-year-old after the Lord Chief Justice confirmed no new Crown Court trials can take place anywhere if they are expected to last longer than three days.

Mr Pirie, who lives on Coffee Hall, is charged with carrying out a sexual assault on a girl twice while she was under the age of 13 and causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The judge heard from prosecuting counsel Gary Venturi how child witnesses as young as nine years were to be called to give evidence.

Mr Venturi told the court: "The extraordinary events are beyond the control of all of us, it is not just in this country but it is a global health crisis. The possibility of reaching a verdict in an organised fashion is unrealistic."

Judge Burgess said:"We are at the moment living in extraordinary times, extreme events are overtaking us. You will be aware of the advice from the Lord Chief Justice. With the best will in the world, we could not guarantee it (the trial) would not take more than three days."

A statement from the Judicial Office said today: "In all jurisdictions steps are being taken to enable as many hearings as possible to be conducted with some or all of the participants attending by telephone, video-link or online.

"Given the risks of a trial not being able to complete, the Lord Chief Justice has decided that no new trial should start in the Crown Court unless it is expected to last for three days or less.

"All cases estimated to last longer than three days listed to start before the end of April 2020 will be adjourned. These cases will be kept under review and the position regarding short trials will be revisited as circumstances develop and in any event next week. As events unfold decisions will be taken in respect of all cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court."