THE trial of an alleged child sex offender has hit a hurdle after three of the jurors tested positive for Covid-19.

Leslie Belcher of Worcester denies 14 sexual offences against a child, some said to have been carried out when she was six years old.

The 64-year-old of St Clement's Close, St John's denied that he had ever spanked her with a belt, tied her up in a horse shelter and stripped her naked, sexually assaulted her or pulled up her top.

In total he denies 14 counts - 10 counts of sexual assault upon a child under 13, one of sexual assault, one of false imprisonment, one of assault a child by penetration and one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The charges span a period between November 4, 2012 and July 8, 2020.

However, Judge Martin Jackson was left with no choice but to adjourn the trial until next Tuesday because a further two jurors have now tested positive for the virus.

The trial was well through - the prosecution had closed its case and the defence was also near to closing its case (though it had not yet formally finished).

Screens in the jury box and other protective measures used to stop the spread of Covid had been removed before the trial started. This has taken place in all Worcester Crown Court's three criminal courts.

Judge Jackson addressed the jury directly, telling them: "I'm sorry to say, as you no doubt know, two more of of your number have also tested positive for Covid this morning.

"Unfortunately that puts us in a difficult position in carrying on today. What I'm minded to do at this stage is formally adjourn this case until next Tuesday."

He said, in the meantime, the case would also be kept under review. He urged jurors to take Covid tests if they felt unwell and to keep the court informed of any developments.

"We can't say you must take a Covid test. It's a matter of common sense if you do feel you are coming down with something" he said.

Judge Jackson later added: "I appreciate it's frustrating for you. It's frustrating for everyone else but, unfortunately, this is one of the consequences of the impact of the Covid pandemic upon us."

He went on to thank the jury for their patience. The case will next be heard, not before 2pm, on Tuesday, May 3.

The trial continues.