More than 100 rapid antigen tests have been obtained by the prosecution to ensure the murder trial of NT cop Zachary Rolfe goes ahead as planned next week.
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During a brief court appearance in the Darwin Supreme Court on Monday, Justice John Burns heard a number of proposals for ensuring the trial is not once again disrupted by the pandemic.
The trial has already been adjourned numerous times because of COVID, as well as a High Court challenge.
Crown Prosecutor Philip Strickland SC suggested there be a pool of 14 jurors selected rather than the usual 12, and that the days be cut short so jurors are not spending four continuous hours together which would class them as close contacts.
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He also said that 150 rapid antigen tests had been acquired to be used by the jury throughout the trial.
"The Crown has secured supplies of rapid antigen tests, and I think there's 150, and at least for the first few days, they can be distributed to the jury," Mr Strickland said.
"And if Your Honour sees it necessary, [the] jury can take the rapid antigen tests for at least...days one or three or five."
Rolfe's defence lawyer, David Edwardson QC, suggested spreading the jurors between the jury box and the dock, with Rolfe sitting in the general body of the court among other attendees.
"I know it's not traditional or appropriate in all cases but I think the circumstances here [are appropriate]."
Justice Burns said he would be "prepared to act on" Counsel's suggestions "to the extent that I can."
Rolfe stands charged with murder over the fatal shooting of 19-year-old man Kumanjayi Walker in the remote Central Australian community of Yuendumu in November 2019.
He has pleaded not guilty to murder as well as two alternative charges of manslaughter and reckless conduct causing death.
His trial is set to begin on February 7 and run for three weeks.