A MURDER retrial is the latest high-profile case to be postponed because of coronavirus.

Daniel Macleod, 37, is accused of killing 22-year-old Abdul Deghayes in Elm Grove, Brighton.

Meanwhile Stephen Burns, 55, is accused of assisting an offender. A retrial for both men had been set to start at Lewes Crown Court at the beginning of June.

But in a Skype hearing before the court, Judge Christine Laing QC told barristers and Macleod that the retrial was off, and it was not clear when a new date would be found.

It follows the judge telling barristers in other murder cases that new trial dates at the courts in Lewes, Hove, and Brighton could not yet be guaranteed.

There are six murder trials which have been postponed by the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures since March.

Macleod listened as the judge told him: “I was asked by the presider to list this matter for mention as it was fixed for retrial on June 2. The reality is it is not going to be possible because of the current pandemic. I regret that we are simply not in the position to tell you when this trial is likely to go ahead.”

The retrial had been due to be presided over by Judge Mr Justice Robin Spencer from the High Court.

Judge Laing QC said the Sussex courts are small and do not enable social distancing, but said justice bosses are looking to find ways of staging high profile murder trials at venues able to allow for social distancing.

Macleod, of Gypsy Road, Lambeth, denies murder and Burns, of Lennox Street, Brighton denies assisting an offender.