A judge suggested his attempted murder trial may be ‘jinxed’ and hit out at sweltering courtroom temperatures after yet another delay.

Judge Michael Gledhill KC, who had to send jurors away on Wednesday after one of their number phoned in sick, told the jury on Thursday (March 23) that one of the three defendants had gone down with a bug.

The boy, who we are calling Z as reporting restrictions prevent him from being identified, was part-way through giving his evidence – and had almost reached events on the day of the stabbing last June.

Addressing the jury on Thursday morning, Judge Gledhill said: “This case is jinxed.”

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Turning to the sweltering temperatures in courtroom two, the judge told the 12-strong panel: “The temperature in this court is now at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

“It is not possible to work in this sort of heat and I’ve indicated to the appropriate court staff that I’m not prepared to sit in a trial when the temperature is so high.”

READ MORE: Boy Z starts giving his evidence in park 'attempted murder' trial

He explained that the problem was the result of renovation works at the 1930s building in St Aldates. Two temporary boilers had been installed but had only two settings: on and off.

While turning them off might make things more manageable in courtroom two, it could plunge other parts of the sprawling courthouse into arctic conditions.

Oxford Mail:

Judge Gledhill, who as a circuit judge wears a heavy purple-and-black robe, red sash and frizzed horsehair wig, told the seasonably-attired jury members: “You can’t concentrate in a case as serious as this, with young defendants, when you have to start taking clothes off to be comfortable.”

Three boys are currently on trial accused of the attempted murder of Danils Bogdancevs in the People’s Park, Banbury, on June 11 last year.

Prosecutors say the boys, who are all in their teens, were involved in the group attack on the sunny weekend afternoon. Mr Bogdancevs was said to have been punched, kicked and suffered half a dozen stab wounds.

The boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, deny attempted murder and wounding with intent. The trial, which is expected to last until early April, continues.