Hull Crown Court flea outbreak causes murder trial jury to be discharged

Hull Crown Court underwent fumigation work by pest control to deal with the outbreak

A flea infestation at Hull Crown Court has led to a murder trial being halted after almost a month.

The building was forced to close on 10 October to allow pest controllers to deal with the outbreak and the court only reopened on Tuesday.

Barristers raised concerns about delays caused to the trial of six men accused of murdering Ian Staves, 44.

The court confirmed the judge had decided to discharge the jury and set a fresh trial date for 22 April 2024.

The trial had started on 21 September but "defence counsel raised concerns regarding the delay as well as some jurors regarding their availability", said a spokesperson for the court.

Judge Thackray KC discharged the jury after hearing submissions, the court confirmed.

The new trial is expected to last seven to eight weeks.

Mr Staves was found dead at his home in Cherry Lane, Wootton, on 12 September 2022.

Prosecutors alleged he had been strangled by men who planned to steal drugs from him. All six deny murdering Mr Staves.

Ian Staves, 44, was found dead in Wootton on 12 September 2022

The six men due to stand trial next year are:

• Nicholas James St Clair, 34, of Castle Grove, Hull

• Bobby Gibson, 18, of Woodcock Street, Hull

• Aaron Windas, 39, of Anlaby Road, Hull

• Celestino Furtado, 36, of Waterloo Street, Hull

• Jamie Smith, 33, of Skippindale Road, Scunthorpe

• Patrick Joseph Smith, 27, previously of Doncaster