Criminal trials thrown into chaos

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Criminal trials throughout Northern Ireland have been thrown into chaos by a High Court action challenging new arrangements for selecting juries.

It happened when a case being held in Coleraine was adjourned after the defendants applied for a judicial review of the new arrangements.

In the past, defence lawyers were given a list of names on the jury panel along with addresses and occupations.

This is no longer the case and some claim they are "working in the dark".

'Major impact'

Solicitor Paddy McDermott says the challenge will have a major impact on criminal cases.

"No other trial should or could really proceed pending the outcome of this judicial review," he said.

"It would be very foolhardy if anybody was to proceed under the new system while this is ongoing."