A Supreme Court trial was dismissed after a witness was alleged to have accosted jurors with a metal pipe.

A jury yesterday was prepared to sit for the second day of the trial of Trovaughn Smith, 38.

But the witness was alleged to have sneaked into the juror’s room with a metal pipe before the trial started and began to threaten jurors.

The man was apprehended, and it is understood that a police investigation into the matter is under way.

The Sessions House courtroom, where the alleged incident took place, lacks a metal detector at the door and does not require most attendees to hand over their bags and electronics upon entry, unlike its sister courts at the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building.

Alexandra Wheatley, the Supreme Court registrar, was asked about the state of security at Sessions House, and if it may be strengthened after this incident, but did not respond by press time.

Mr Smith was accused of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article, namely a machete, on September 9, 2021.

Prosecutors requested a nolle prosequi — a request for an indefinite adjournment — against Mr Smith, indicating that they would not proceed with the case at this time.

Acting Puisne Judge Mark Pettingill subsequently discharged him.

The Crown has 12 months to bring the case back before the courts or else it will be dismissed.

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