THE trial of a 20 year-old Cinderford man on a rape charge could not begin as scheduled this week because he tested positive for Covid-19.

Judge and jurors were at Gloucester Crown Court for the trial to get under way on Monday morning (January 10) but defence solicitor Sarah Jenkins told Judge Michael Cullum she had seen a photo of one of the positive tests from Thomas Cuthbert, of Buckshaft Road, Cinderford

Mr Cuthbert denies committing rape on February 17 2019.

The judge said “The court felt duty bound to check this was a genuine positive test. I understand he has had a series of positive tests and is awaiting a PCR test.”

Ms Jenkins said “He says the test he sent me a picture of was one he took yesterday evening and it showed positive before it even finished.

“He didn’t have to wait the half hour – the line just came up straightaway.

“He says he didn’t expect to have Covid as he has not really been going out but his sister goes to college and she has also tested positive so I would suspect it may very well have been from her as they are in the same house.”

Adjourning the case until July 4, Judge Cullum said it was ‘desperately unfortunate’, especially as the alleged victim was at court and ready to give evidence.