THE trial concerning the murder of a drugs supplier in a Meon Valley layby has been halted for the fourth time after a defendant tested positive for Covid-19.

Murder accused Aston Hannis had been giving evidence in the trial at Winchester Crown Court in connection with the death of Gurinderjit Rai, but on Wednesday the court was told that the 29-year-old has contracted the virus.

Mrs Justice Cutts told the jury today: “On Wednesday Mr Hannis, currently in the witness box and gave evidence to us on Friday then on Monday and Tuesday, we were informed, has developed Covid-19, that clearly means he cannot be here.

“We cannot carry on really without him because he is clearly giving his evidence. I am afraid we are not going to be able to sit on the trial next week and we will resume Monday 8th March.”

The judge highlighted that it was “absolutely not Mr Hannis’ fault” that the trial has now been delayed.

She continued: “We have to recognise that this may have an impact on the length of the trial. It is possible, although not inevitable, that we will go beyond the 1st April.”

The jury were told that they may have to sit until April 16 – two weeks longer than the initial date.

The case was halted last week after a dock officer tested positive for coronavirus and two defendants, Paul White and Corin Barlow, were forced to self-isolate and have been hearing the case via video link.

Previously a jury member told the court that she had to self-isolate after coming into close contact with someone who had contracted the virus, and at the start of the trial another defendant, Paul White, tested positive for Covid-19.

The body of Gurinderjit Rai was found in a Ford Fiesta in the countryside lane in Corhampton, near Bishop's Waltham, by two horse riders on July 13, 2019.

Barlow, from Horley, Surrey; White, 27, of Dyson Drive, Abbotts Barton; Hannis, 29, of Leah Gardens, Eastleigh; Charlie Statham, 30, of Crescent Close, Oliver's Battery, all deny murder.

Philip Hodan, 43, of Longwood Dean Lane, Owslebury, denies participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group.