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Technical snags delay quarantine breach trial

Sophia Cannonier and Michael Watson holding up scales, representing the scales of justice, outside Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning (Photograph by Sarah Lagan)

The continuation of the trial of Sophia Cannonier and Michael Watson was delayed yesterday owing to the unavailability of technology to hear remote submissions at the Magistrates’ Court.

The married couple stands accused of breaking Covid-19 quarantine rules.

Both defendants turned up to the court but, owing to a lack of computers and a remote connection in the courtroom, were asked to return for a mention date on November 7 to reschedule the hearing.

Ms Cannonier told The Royal Gazette that three doctors were scheduled to make remote appearances during the session — Peter McCullough, an American cardiologist; Paul Alexander, a Canadian health researcher and former Trump administration official at the US Department of Health and Human Services; and Christina Parks, who recently testified in support of a Bill proposed in Michigan against vaccine mandates.

Ms Cannonier said: “It was hard to ensure the professionals, who are world professionals, could be present. They are very busy people, and with all the delays thus far, it has been difficult to pin them down.”

Ms Cannonier added: “I think it is for a good cause so we will just keep at it.”

She said she and Mr Watson were scheduled to travel off island and would not return until January.

The couple previously denied refusing last July to comply with a mandatory quarantine and failure to complete a Travel Authorisation form.

They have also pleaded not guilty to leaving their home before the end of their quarantine period.

Ms Cannonier has further denied allowing unauthorised people to visit her on the same day.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case.