Newry & South Down judge admitted to hospital due to Covid-19

By Q Radio News

Judge Gordon Kerr QC, the sitting County Court judge for Newry and South Down, has been admitted to hospital due to Covid-19.

Business at Newry Crown Court was suspended today following Judge Kerr’s admission over the weekend.

He had been isolating at home for ten days before returning to work last Wednesday. He then presided over a two day trial.

In line with safety measures across a number of courts, there are clear plastic screens separating the judge's bench from the jury box, seats for lawyers, the dock and the public gallery and those attending court are allowed to wear face coverings.

However, it's not clear if track & trace protocols have been adhered to for anyone who attended Judge Kerr’s court last week but for a trial to run, there could have been up to around 30 people within the courtroom itself.

A spokesperson for the NI Courts and Tribunals Service released a statement that they have been addressing issues and have engaged with the Public Health Agency:

“The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) has been addressing issues arising out of an incidence of Covid-19 among an individual based in Newry court.

"NICTS has engaged with the Public Health Agency regarding this issue and no additional remedial actions has been requested or recommended. NICTS staff, who would have had limited contact with the individuals, are being advised in line with the PHA guidance.

"Newry’s courts have been able to remain operational today and tomorrow’s court business is scheduled to proceed.

“Court users should be assured that NICTS has a number of measures in place to mitigate against Covid-19 infection throughout our estate, including the compulsory wearing of face coverings in all public areas and the courtroom, the erection of glass and Perspex screens in many hearing rooms, clear social distancing signage and hand gel facilities throughout our buildings.

"We would again remind all court users that they should only attend court if required to do so and to check with either courthouse staff or their legal representative if they are in any doubt.”