Monkeypox halts Scots trial as 'crown witness' believed to have caught disease

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Monkeypox has halted court proceedings in Scotland as a key witness is believed to have contracted the disease. The trial at Inverness Sheriff Court was put on ice after a 'crown witness' was marked as absent on Wednesday.

A Scottish Courts and Tribunals service spokesperson told the Inverness Courier that the absence was 'due to a suspected case of monkeypox'.

Court was adjourned after a request was put in by the defendant's lawyer.A Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the case was adjourned today due to a crown witness being absent due to a suspected case of monkeypox."It comes after the first case of monkeypox in Scotland was recorded on Monday.A Public Health Scotland spokesman said: "In line with national protocols, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with NHS Boards and wider partners to investigate a small number of potential cases of monkeypox in Scotland."As announced on 23 May, there is one confirmed case of monkeypox in Scotland.

It would not be appropriate for PHS to comment on individuals." Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .