Trial of teacher accused of sexually assaulting pupils halted over positive Covid test

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The trial of a peripatetic guitar teacher accused of sexually assaulting and making sexual remarks to pupils has been halted, because he has caught Covid.

Keith Jenner, 56, had provided a positive PCR test, confirming he had contracted the virus, jurors were told today. Sheriff Derek Hamilton said the trial, which began at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, "still had two days to run, by best estimates".

He adjourned the case to allow Jenner to isolate and recover.Two jurors, who had holidays booked in the run-up to Easter, were discharged, and the trial will resume a week on Monday, April 11th, with 13 jurors rather than the usual 15.Falkirk Live brings you the latest headlines from Falkirk and beyond.But did you know all the ways you can stay informed with us?We share live news and exclusive scoops every day so make sure you're following us so we can keep you informed on all things Falkirk!Sheriff Hamilton told the jury: "Can I particularly thank you for accommodating us during this difficult time."We have great difficulty in getting to the end of some trials because of the current situation."Jurors are currently sitting in a cinema to allow sufficient social distancing, hearing evidence by video link.Jenner, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, denies sexually assaulting four schoolgirls aged 15 and 16, and four schoolboys, aged 13 to 15, by touching them on the body; directing "sexual verbal communications" at teenage pupils; and showing boys a video of "a partially-clothed female".The incidents are said to have taken place over a period of more than three years ending January 2020, at four high schools in Stirlingshire and one in the geographical area of West Lothian.