A High Court deputy judge has refused an application to adjourn
a five-week trial over concerns about conducting a remote trial in
light of the COVID-19 health crisis.
Background
The applicants in In the matter of One Blackfriars
Limited are claiming more than £250 million against the
former administrators of a company for their alleged mishandling of
the administration. The case will involve both factual and expert
witness evidence and had been listed for five weeks, commencing in
early June.
The application
The applicants submitted that an in-person trial would
contravene the prime minister's instructions to stay at home,
while a remote trial was inappropriate due to the risk to the
health and safety of those taking part, the significant
technological challenges and the potential for unfairness.
