Judge halts court hearing after Sunderland defendant confessed he had Covid-19 symptoms

Maurice Foster was due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court for having a sick collection of child abuse images when Judge Tim Gittins was alerted that the 48-year-old had a cough and had been unable to taste his breakfast this morning.

When Foster confirmed the information about his symptoms was correct, Judge Gittins immediately stopped the hearing and ordered the courtroom to be deep cleaned.

The judge ordered Foster, of Brancepeth Avenue, Fencehouses, Sunderland, who was using public transport, to return home, isolate himself and book a coronavirus test.

Prosecutor Ashleigh Metcalf, who appeared at the hearing remotely, had told the court 109 abuse images had been found on Foster's phone when it was seized during a police search of his home in October 2018.

Foster, who has previous convictions for indecent assault, making indecent images and stalking, had admitted three offences of making indecent images of children.

Before Jamie Adams, defending and also appearing remotely, could start mitigation, Judge Gittins said he had received information that Foster had been seen coughing in the building and had told someone he had been unable to taste his breakfast.

Judge Gittins said: "If that is the position, he shouldn't be here."

The judge asked Foster, who was wearing a mask: "Is it true you couldn't taste your breakfast this morning?"

Foster confirmed the information was correct.

Judge Gittins told the court: "I am calling a halt to this immediately.

"Mr Foster should return home immediately and self isolate and arrange to receive a test."

Judge Gittins said the sentence hearing will resume at a later date and told Foster: "Do not go close to anyone as you leave the building."

After Foster confirmed he was using public transport, the judge warned him: "Be very careful about all of that.

"You need to arrange for a test as soon as possible."

At the end of the hearing, Judge Gittins added: "I'm not quite sure how he managed to get into the building, everyone is asked whether they have symptoms.

"I will clear this courtroom now and have it deep cleaned."

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