Judge James McCourt, appearing yesterday morning via video link to the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin, told the jury that he was socially isolating at home after close contact with somebody who has since tested positive for the virus.

Since learning of the close contact’s diagnosis, Judge McCourt himself was tested for Covid-19 and received a negative result, he added.

The trial in question concerns two brothers who are accused before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of repeatedly indecently assaulting two of their younger brothers in the years between 1979 and 1988.

The eldest brother, who is now aged 55 and living in Co Meath, has pleaded not guilty to 35 sample counts of indecently assaulting his two younger brothers on dates between 1979 and 1985.

The second oldest brother, now aged 50, pleaded not guilty to 16 sample counts of indecently assaulting his younger brother between 1985 and 1988.

The jury of seven women and five men resumed deliberations yesterday morning.