Courts / Dublin / Report
Coronavirus: all non-custody matters at circuit court to be adjourned
Summary
In March 2020 the Criminal Courts of Justice building was quieter than usual, with only four Dublin Circuit Criminal Court judges present. Judge Melanie Greally heard a short list of arraignment cases and adjourned all sentences involving defendants on bail to 15 June, as those defendants were not required to attend due to Covid‑19 restrictions. She finalised two cases involving defendants in custody and dealt with several other matters listed for mention. Five cases, including one alleging dangerous driving causing serious harm, were scheduled for trial and Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned them to 19 June. President Patricia Ryan directed that all non‑custody matters for the rest of the term, except ongoing trials, be adjourned to dates in June and July. Two judges remained at trial, and the Courts Service implemented special accommodations for juries, seating them spread out across the courtroom to maintain social distancing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Coronavirus: all non-custody matters at circuit court to be adjourned. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 15 Adjournment
- June 19 Adjournment
- 2020-03-18 Publication
Why: Jurors are now sitting spread out across the court room, rather than just in the jury box, in order to maintain the recommended social distancing. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Outcome: In court five Judge Melanie Greally heard a short list of cases for arraignment and adjourned to June 15 all sentences where defendants are out on bail.; In court five Judge Melanie Greally heard a short list of cases for arraignment and adjourned to June 15 all sentences where defendants are out on bail.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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