As the country locks down amid Covid-19, courts across Manchester still sit, despite barristers being told not to attend. Court staff, including ushers and court clerks, however, have been told to still come in.
Following the HMCTS guidance this morning, Magistrates courts will only be hearing urgent cases, such as overnight arrests, and Crown courts have advised that no jury trials will be sitting until restrictions are lifted.
Signs have been placed on the doors of the court buildings upon entering advising that only urgent cases will be dealt with, including Domestic Violence Protection Orders, cases where the defendant is in custody and high risk breach cases.