Karl Gallagher murder trial jury discharged after judge admitted to hospital with Covid-19
A jury in a murder trial in the Black Country has been discharged after the judge in the case was admitted to hospital with Covid-19.
Judge Michael Chambers QC said there was "no alternative" in the case of Tyrelle Harris at Wolverhampton Crown Court due to Judge Amjad Nawaz's ill health.
Harris, 19, of Helvellyn Way. West Bromwich, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Karl Gallagher at West Cross Shopping Centre, in Smethwick, on April 26, but pleaded guilty to having an bladed article.
Judge Chambers QC, told the jury, said: "I'm sorry to have to report that Judge Amjad Nawaz is still unwell and has been admitted to hospital and we all wish him well.
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"As you will appreciate, Covid-19 is a serious illness of which I do not need to tell you about the risk and details. Although we are hopeful he will be discharged, at the moment the position is he is unwell.
"He is clearly not going to be fit enough to continue with the case for the foreseeable future. He is simply unfit to do so and where that happens we are left with no alternative but to discharge a jury and it will be listed for a retrial."
Judge Chambers QC said it was "relatively rare" for a juror to become unwell during a case – and even rarer for a judge and barrister to become unwell.
He added: "Can I thank you [the jury] and reassure you full efforts will continue to be made in this building, and other courts, to maintain everyone's safety.
"There's no reason you should be concerned in relation to your position. Jury service is quite important and at all times and particularly important now. Thank you for you service in this particular case."
A potential retrial could take place at Wolverhampton Crown Court on May 17 next year.
