Sheffield Crown Court trial over alleged conspiracy to commit murder continues after a Covid-19 scare

A crown court trial concerning an alleged conspiracy to commit murder is to continue after the judge had to consider a possible Covid-19 related threat.
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The 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.

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Judge Jeremy Richardson QC had quoted Commander Jim Lovell of the ill-fated Apollo 13 spacecraft when he told the jury: “Houston, we have a problem.”

Pictured is Sheffield Crown Court.Pictured is Sheffield Crown Court.
Pictured is Sheffield Crown Court.

He had adjourned the case on January 21 and January 22 to allow counsel to consider Covid-19 related issues linked to Mr Mottershead and Mr Haycock who both had to be temporarily, physically excused from the proceedings.

Mr Mottershead has since been allowed to continue accessing the hearing via a video link and Mr Haycock has also been allowed to continue accessing the hearing by video-link but Mr Haycock will also be allowed to physicaly attend the court as of January 26.

Judge Richardson told the jury Mr Mottershead has tested negative for Covid-19 after coming into contact with someone with the virus but he will need to self-isolate but can continue to attend the trial by video link.

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Mr Haycock has also been allowed to attend the hearing by video link, according to Judge Richardson, but he will be able to physically attend the trial by January 26.

Judge Richardson told the jury: “Mr Mottershead and Mr Haycock have both had Covid tests and both are negative.

“Mr Mottershead has been in contact with someone who has tested positive and consequently he is required by law to self-isolate, we believe, until Monday or Tuesday next week. Accordingly, he will be appearing by TV link too.”

Judge Richardson added Mr Haycock who had been sitting near to Mr Mottershead in the dock had a precautionary test as well which came back negative.

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Judge Richardson said: “He was unable to be brought for logistical reasons and he will be back tomorrow.”

Judge Richardson also formally discharged one of the jury who has been unable to attend due to non-Covid-19 related circumstances.

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 a Vauxhall Astra car near Park Spring Drive, close to Norfolk Park, Sheffield, with another man after it had allegedly been used in the reported shootings.

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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.

The trial continues.

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