Sir David Amess had been an MP since 1983
(Picture: PA Media)The trial of the alleged murderer of MP Sir David Amess has been delayed again after the judge tested positive for Covid-19.
Ali Harbi Ali, 26, was due to start his defence case last Monday as he is accused of stabbing to death the Southend West MP at his constituency surgery.
However the Old Bailey trial was adjourned for a week when three members of the jury tested positive for Covid-19.
On Monday morning, Judge Mark Lucraft QC, the Recorder of London, came into court to announce that trial judge Mr Justice Sweeney is absent, forcing another delay.
“The eagle eyed among you will have spotted I am not Mr Justice Sweeney”, he said.
“I’m afraid to say he has tested positive for Covid over the weekend. He has no symptoms but as two close contacts – the only two people he has had contact with over the last week – tested positive, he has been undertaking daily tests.”
Judge Lucraft told 11 jurors in court that the final member of the jury is also still positive for Covid, as he adjourned the case until at least Thursday.
Ali, from Kentish Town, north London, is accused of posing as a constituent to secure a meeting with Sir David on October 15 last year.
He allegedly murdered the MP in revenge for the bombing of Syria, and is also accused of plotting acts of terror in the two years before the stabbing.
Ali allegedly carried out surveillance on MPs Michael Gove and Mike Freer, and went to Parliament to assess the security and entrances used by Parliamentarians, it is said.
Ali denies murder and preparation of acts of terrorism. The trial continues.
