On Tuesday, in what is believed to be a legal first, an entire Magistrates’ Court — including a district judge, court administration staff, prison officers and lawyers for the defence and prosecution — gathered around a taxi in a car park to conduct a preliminary hearing.
Sitting in the cab was Olga Hadassagh Charlton, who is accused of a £40,000 loan fraud and converting criminal property.
The Belfast Telegraph reports on the scene at Antrim Magistrates’ Court car park:
District Judge Alan White proceeded to commit Charlton for trial at Antrim Crown Court, before releasing her on bail of £300.
The court refused to disclose the reason for locating the hearing outside.
