How the justice system has been adjusted at Sheffield Crown Court during the lockdown

The stairwells and halls that would normally teem with barristers, court staff, defendants and their families, were deserted.

Only one court out of the nine that normally sit was open, and this was presided over by Judge Sarah Wright, who sat to hear just two cases.

The judge and the clerk didn't wear their usual robes and court etiquette, which normally requires all present in the room to rise when the judge enters, was set aside.

The defence and prosecution barristers contacted the court via Skype and their contributions were broadcast from a speaker on the judge's computer.

Both defendants appeared via video-link from HMP Doncaster.

The arrangement, put together at short notice, allowed the court to function, and the reduced number of cases let everyone concerned keep a sensible distance from each other.

On Monday, the Lord Chief Justice announced a temporary pause on new jury trials in crown court while measures were put in place to ensure physical hearings can take place safely and in accordance with advice on social-distancing.

He said: “We have put in place arrangements to use telephone, video and other technology to continue as many hearings as possible remotely.

“We will make best possible use of the equipment currently available. HMCTS is working round the clock to update and add to that. Some hearings, the most obvious being jury trials, cannot be conducted remotely.”

Click here to read live updates about the coronavirus on the Sheffield Star’s blog.