Justice over the alleged murder of a Wangaratta man may be delayed because juries are no longer being empanelled as part of efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus.
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Supreme Court of Victoria chief justice Anne Ferguson this week announced that trials to mid-May 2020 would either be adjourned until after October 2020 or reassessed closer to the trial date.
The trial of Phillip Dunn and Darcy McNamara was due to start in Shepparton on May 11, over the alleged murder of Wangaratta's Nathan Day on or about July 26, 2018.
It is likely the trial will be delayed.
"I would like to thank all involved for their patience and understanding at this unprecedented time," Justice Ferguson said.
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Non-jury matters such as pleas, applications, case conferences and preliminary hearings will continue where parties are available.
Pilots will start immediately across the courts to test videolink technology so it can be used where required and available.
"In both the criminal and civil courts, we are rapidly moving to a position where appearances will be managed through the electronic and digital environment," Justice Ferguson said.
"We are not there yet, nor do we have all the answers.
"The situation is fluid and moving fast and while we cannot predict what may happen with COVID-19 in the immediate future we will continue to move to a more agile and flexible environment."
Contested committal hearings listed in the Magistrates Court over the next seven weeks will also be postponed.
Magistrate Fran Medina told Wangaratta Magistrates Court this week that some services such as Court Integrated Services Program assessments - used for drug and alcohol treatment - may have to be held remotely.
