Ministry of Justice confirms closure of courts in Leeds as six people test positive for Covid-19

The Ministry of Justice confirmed Leeds Combined Court Centre was closed for the day (January 25) as a precautionary measure.

The building on Oxford Row houses the city's Crown court, county court and family court.

Security staff were refusing entry to the building this morning, stating that the courts had been closed as a precaution.

Cases were listed in ten Crown courtrooms, including an ongoing murder trial and the sentence of a defendant who has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The building is expected to re-open as usual tomorrow.

Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) have listed cases, including jury trials, to begin from 9.30am.

Leeds Magistrates' Court was also closed until 11.30am after a number of people also tested positive for Covid-19.

It is understood the opening of the building was delayed while an area underwent deep cleaning.

Cases listed in the morning were adjourned until future dates.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported last week how Leeds Crown Court is among the most successful courts in the country in coping with the unprecedented backlog of cases currently posing the "greatest threat" to the judicial system.

A spokesperson for HMCTS said: “Leeds Combined Court Centre is being deep cleaned as a precaution after six people tested positive for Covid-19.

"We are following public health guidelines to ensure the safety of all court users and the site is due to reopen tomorrow.”