OXFORD Crown Court has revealed some of the extraordinary measures it will take to host its first trial since the country went into lockdown in March.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic jury trials across the country were suspended with fixtures all adjourned to later dates.

Some court centres have now begun resuming jury trials under strict social distancing measures but Oxford’s court is yet to recommence cases.

At a pre-trial hearing held at Oxford Crown Court today presiding Judge Ian Pringle QC said the first trial to be heard since the March lockdown will take place next month.

READ ALSO: Man denied furlough support by Oxford Direct Services.

Qais Ahmed, of Albert Street, Banbury, is charged with possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

That offence is alleged to have taken place in Banbury on December 7 last year.

The 25-year-old has been given a trial date which is expected to be held at Oxford Crown Court on July 6.

Discussing the case this morning the judge said that the trial would involve the use of multiple court rooms.

In one room jurors would be separated across both sides of the court room in order to observe social distancing.

A separate court room would be used for the press and public, as Judge Pringle said the case was a 'public trial.'

It was also revealed that paper 'jury bundles' would be left untouched and in place for 24 hours to prevent any risk of possible infection.

The judge told the hearing: "I want this trial to go smoothly."

In March when the pause on trials was first announced the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, said he had decided to take the extraordinary measure to ensure that appropriate precautions could be put in place.