Corona virus latest thing to slow Groves trial

Thursday 19 March 2020

The Judge overseeing the murder trial of Sarah Groves has paused proceedings again, in an effort to self isolate.

The move makes covid-19 the latest in a long list of things to hamper progress in the trial, which has now seen 184 hearings take place in Srinagar.

While the accused, Richard de Wit, did attend, Miss Groves' father, Vic Groves, said the outcome wasn't unsurprising.

"Last Saturday’s scheduled hearing was the first in a while when no progress was made in the trial, caused by the absence of witnesses available to give evidence," he said.

Pictured: Sarah Groves. Progress has recently been being made in the murder trial, breaking from its traditional slow crawl. 

"It was encouraging that he Judge set two further dates for today and tomorrow. However, the effects of corona virus are being felt throughout the world, including in Kashmir."

Mr Groves said the Judge also announced he wouldn't be attending court today, and so today's hearing was cancelled as well. 

"The most unfortunate aspect is that we now have to wait for three weeks until the court next convenes to hear this case," Mr Groves added.

Pictured top: Richard de Wit attended court, but nothing progressed because of COVID-19.