Hartlepool rape trial set to start today has been moved to later in the year due to coronavirus outbreak

Paul Rowntree, 24, of no fixed abode, had been due to stand trial for the offence today, Tuesday, May 12.

It is alleged to have happened at around 3am on December 1 last year in an alleyway between Lucan Street and Middleton Grange Road, Hartlepool.

But due to the coronavirus outbreak no jury trials anywhere in England are currently able to be held.

A new date of November 16 was fixed by Judge Paul Watson at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, May 12.

The case is expected to last at least four days.

The court considered postponing the trial until another available date in March next year.

But Judge Watson said that was too long for all involved to wait in such a serious case.

He said: “Bearing in mind the serious nature of this offence and the fact that the defendant is in custody I take the view that’s far too long and so I’ve looked at other dates.”

The judge said the alleged victim will also be anxious for the case to happen as soon as possible.

He added: “No jury trials anywhere in the country are taking place at the moment so it’s not possible for us to conduct a jury trial at the moment.

“I have fixed the case for November 16. That’s the earliest possible date that this court can do it.”

Rowntree was remanded in custody.

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