Judge tells jury, “Houston, we have a problem”, after Covid-issue delays Sheffield Crown Court trial

A Sheffield Crown Court trial has heard how Joshua Mottershead, Niki Haycock, Demi Dunford and Molly Mayer have denied conspiring to murder Ryan Ducker following two drive-by shootings near Arbourthorne, in Sheffield.

Stephen Wood QC, prosecuting, claimed Miss Dunford and Miss Mayer recruited Mr Mottershead and Mr Haycock before the two men were involved in two drive-by shootings on mistaken targets at homes on Errington Avenue and Aylward Road after 9.30pm, on June 30.

Judge Jeremy Richardson QC told the jury that in April, 1970, Commander Jim Lovell managed to get the Apollo 13 spacecraft back to earth safely after the craft had malfunctioned in space.

Judge Richardson said: “Commander Jim Lovell of the Apollo 13 mission to the Moon said the phrase ‘Houston, we have a problem’ and that has come into the vocabulary of all of us.

“In fairness, Commander Lovell managed to get Apollo 13 back to earth safely by using every known technological innovation and skill possessed at the time.

“We are trying to do the same in a different way in this court with this case.”

Judge Richardson previously adjourned the trial on January 21 having explained there was a Covid-related problem and a health-issue and efforts were being made to find a solution but it was necessary to act with caution and care.

During the January 22 hearing he told the jury: “I do not intend to go through all the problems we are trying to solve.

“Believe me, they are not insignificant problems but we are trying to solve them because I would like to pilot this case to its conclusion if possible.”

But Judge Richardson added he wished to proceed when it is safe and fair to do so.

He added the physical presence of two of the defendants has been excused and one of the jurors has not been present due to a non-Covid related illness.

Judge Richardson adjourned the case until today, Monday, January 25, after telling the jury a decision would be made on how the case was to proceed.

He added: “I am not in the least bit like Commander Lovell but I have to say I know how he felt up to a point.”

Judge Richardson added the current situation is not a crisis of the same seriousness as was faced by Apollo 13.

Mr Mottershead, aged 21, of St Aidan’s Avenue, Sheffield, Mr Haycock, aged 22, of Ironside Close, Sheffield, Miss Dunford, aged 24, of Derby Street, Sheffield, and Miss Mayer, aged 22, of Callow Drive, Sheffield, have all pleaded not guilty to conspiring to commit murder and not guilty to conspiring to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Miss Dunford is also accused of torching the Vaxhall Astra car near Park Spring Drive, close to Norfolk Park, Sheffield, with another man after it had allegedly been used in the reported shootings.

Miss Dunford has pleaded not guilty to arson but Jason Brough, aged 50, of Cambridge Lodge, Kent Road, Heeley, Sheffield, has pleaded guilty to arson.

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