A BARRISTER involved in a murder trial has sparked a coronavirus alert in court after calling in sick.

The lawyer said they had symptoms of the disease, so the case at Hove Crown Court had to be delayed.

Raymond Hoadley, 62, is on trial accused of killing his estranged wife Jackie Hoadley, 58, in Eastbourne.

Earlier this week the court heard how one of the detectives in the case had also been contacted by the NHS track and trace system to warn them they may have had contact with someone with Covid-19.

The detective therefore did not go to court and joined proceedings on video link.
Judges have sought to reassure jurors that precautions are in place for trials to continue.

The Argus: Social distancing measures inside Hove Crown Court, court twoSocial distancing measures inside Hove Crown Court, court two
It is understood a barrister in the Hoadley case is now awaiting a coronavirus test result over the weekend.

But it is not clear what will happen if the barrister tests positive.

In the neighbouring court, Judge Christine Laing QC told jurors why court two has been cordoned off.

She said none of the lawyers in court one have had any contact with those next door, as arrangements have been made to keep people separate.

The judge told the jury that the court next door will have to be deep cleaned.
It is being presided over by Judge Jeremy Gold QC.

So far, Caroline Carberry QC, prosecuting, opened the case and introduced evidence from the prosecution.

Read more on this trial:

It is alleged that Hoadley went to the home of Jackie Hoadley, a disability rights campaigner, and stabbed her in the neck and face.
The Argus: Jackie Hoadley with her estranged husband Raymond HoadleyJackie Hoadley with her estranged husband Raymond Hoadley

There were also signs she had been strangled and attacked during the incident in Broad Oak Close in July last year.

The jury were told that Hoadley was obsessed with money and wanted to get his hands on savings and investments made by the couple, worth up to £1 million.
The Argus: The scene at Jackie Hoadley's home in Broad Oak Close, EastbourneThe scene at Jackie Hoadley's home in Broad Oak Close, Eastbourne
Ms Carberry said Hoadley’s vehicle was spotted on CCTV near Jackie’s address on the night she was murdered.

He was later seen putting his clothes in a washing machine in the early hours of the morning.

Hoadley, of Willowfield Road, Eastbourne, denies murder.