A MURDER trial was adjourned until next week after two positive cases of Covid-19.

The jury was due to sit at 10.30am yesterday morning, however the trial was then pushed back until 12.30pm.

The trial was then adjourned until 2pm.

Judge Ian Pringle QC addressed the courtroom, explaining the situation.

See also: Murder accused relives night of teenager’s death

He said: “I’m sorry that you’ve been kept waiting so long today.

“Just after 8am this morning, two Serco officers had tested positive for Covid.

“The dock was cleaned at about 11am this morning and the entire courtroom too.

“We had to report this to a national committee.

Read more: Latest court results for Oxfordshire

“I’m glad to be able to tell you that it is safe to proceed, we have not had any close contact with those officers.

“However, I have discussed with counsel. This defendant is 19 years of age, and is young and I don’t think it’s fair to allow the cross-examination to go over three days.

“I’m going to adjourn the case until Monday morning, to sit at 10.15am.”

The prosecution alleges that Nathan Braim, 20, of Broadwaters Avenue, Thame and Benjamin Eyles, 19, of Monks Hollow, Buckinghamshire, killed Joshua Harling on the night of July 22 last year – which they both deny.

Mr Harling, a 19-year-old accountant, drove away after a street fight – jurors have previously been told – but his car flipped upside down after a crash.

The trial continues.