The judge presiding over the Malka Leifer child sex abuse trial has contracted COVID-19, meaning the case will be stalled until early next week.
On Tuesday afternoon, the members of the jury in the trial were informed Judge Mark Gamble had tested positive for COVID-19.
Acting Chief Judge Meryl Sexton delivered the news to the courtroom before sending jurors home for the day.
"I can tell you he is not contagious at the moment. It was a PCR test which picks things up very, very early. He had tested negative on a RAT," she said.
"He is not able to continue at the moment with the trial.
"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news at this crucial point in the trial."
Earlier on Tuesday, Mrs Leifer's lawyers closed their case, bringing to an end five weeks of evidence before Judge Gamble.
Prior to taking the PCR test, the judge assured the courtroom he had tested negative on a rapid test, but conceded he was displaying some COVID-like symptoms.
Mrs Leifer has pleaded not guilty to 27 child sex abuse charges, dating back two decades to when she was the principal of the Adass Israel School in Melbourne.
The complainants are three sisters — Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper — who allege Mrs Leifer abused them in secret between 2003 and 2007.
In court, Mrs Leifer's lawyers attacked the credibility of the sisters, saying their allegations against Mrs Leifer were made up.
But prosecutors said the sisters were honest witnesses, and that it was normal for there to be some inconsistencies with their stories.
The trial is expected to resume on Monday.
