IF anyone has sat in court, they know it is often beset by delays. From probation reports to prison transport, the criminal justice system seems to creak along more often than not.

It is worrying to discover that trials could now be in jeopardy due to a catering contract not being renewed.

A courtroom is bound by certain legal precedents, but outside in the hubbub of the lobby it’s a different matter.

From defendants chatting with briefs to family members discussing the latest day’s events, there is plenty going on.

Add to that security staff, journalists, probation officers and ushers, and you realise it is a melting pot of people.

A jury should not be placed anywhere near this collection of potentially loose-tongued, opinionated or plain unaware parties.

The danger of a contemptuous piece of information being overheard among the chitchat as jurors venture out to get their lunch is too much.

All it takes is one slip of the tongue, one reference to a piece of evidence or a witness confiding to a friend for a whole case to collapse.

Even if the situation is a temporary one, the matter needs immediate consideration.

For any trial to fall down over this would be a tragedy for the victim and for the principles that are at the very heart of this country.