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Jurors asked to bring their own holy books for swearing in at start of trial

Winchester Crown Court - Solent News & Photo Agency
Winchester Crown Court - Solent News & Photo Agency

Jurors have been asked to bring their own holy books for the swearing in process at a rape trial to reduce the chance of coronavirus spreading in the courtroom.

Judge Keith Cutler told Winchester Crown Court that jury members or witnesses who don't have their own Bible, Torah or Koran must take a verbal affirmation instead.

Swearing in happens at the beginning of trials and before witnesses give evidence, with Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Sikhs all having their own variations.

Atheists are allowed to "solemnly, sincerely and truly affirm" instead of swearing.

Official guidance from Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service states that oaths should be taken without touching the holy book, which will be provided, but that people are welcome to bring their own to court.

Errol Robinson, 28, of Sutton, Surrey, is charged with rape and assault by penetration. His trial at Winchester, the first to be held at the court since lockdown measures were introduced, begins on Wednesday morning.

New jury trials were suspended on March 23, when the lockdown came into force, but began to resume the week starting May 18.

All 12 jurors are required to attend, as was the case before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Social distancing measures will be in place for trials, with jurors and barristers staying two metres apart, and parties must bring their own bottles of water as no cups will be provided.

Chairs will be taped up to ensure people are well-spaced and floor markings will indicate where attendees should wait, sit and allow others to pass.

Cafes and canteens will not be open in court buildings and jurors have been asked not to bring metal cutlery with them.

Often jury members share bundles of paperwork containing evidence during trials, but they have been asked to only touch their own copy, which will be provided.

Attendees can wear face coverings in the building if they would like to, but the guidance states that some people may be asked to remove them during the hearings.

"There is a lot of fear out there - I do not want people to come here and feel they will be prosecuted for getting too close to people," said Judge Cutler.

"What we are trying to do is to keep people as safe as we can within government guidance."

The judge told the defendant, Robinson, ahead of the trial: "Thank you for turning up; in terms of your bail, I renew your bail and you are required to be here in good time."

A proposal to end the swearing of oaths on the Bible and other holy books in courts in England and Wales was rejected by magistrates in 2013.

The Magistrates' Association debated a motion to instead ask witnesses to promise to "very sincerely tell the truth", but the idea was voted down.