Court services to continue on reduced basis
MOST court services will continue during lockdown, though much of it will be done digitally.
The Greffe will be open between 9 and 10am daily.
HM Greffier Jon Torode said that many of the functions could be done online. Contract courts would still take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but with power of attorney given to advocates meaning their clients did not have to attend.
‘Social distancing measures will be in place, we have plenty of hand sanitiser, and Perspex shields are in place to protect people,’ he said.
The criminal courts would continue but on a reduced basis.
‘We will deal with what is urgent only,’ said Mr Torode. ‘Remand hearings will go ahead with the use of MS [Microsoft] Teams that can connect the court building and the judges to the prison and the Police Station.
‘We can bring people before the court in person if we need to and that can be done in Court One where there is room for social distancing.’
He said the present plan in terms of dealing with the coronavirus was for a two-week ‘circuit breaker’ and the court would review its position after that.
No marriages will take place and Mr Torode said none was booked for this week.
Petty Debt Court hearings will also be postponed.
The Greffe has reviewed its procedures and the service it offers to new parents. New babies must still be registered within 30 days of the birth. Previously, new parents had to attend the Greffe public counter, often with their baby, to register the birth. A new procedure has been set up to maximise the safety of the new family.
n Further information is available on the Royal Court website – guernseyroyalcourt.gg
