The highly anticipated murder trial of NT Police constable Zach Rolfe is expected to be delayed due to the prosecution being stuck in Sydney’s COVID-19 lockdown and unable to attend the Supreme Court in Darwin for the start of the trial next week.

Acting Justice Dean Mildren is expected to make an order adjourning the trial tomorrow “to a date to be fixed”, a statement from the courts said this afternoon.

Rolfe has been in court all week as lawyers made pre-trial arguments over the admissibility of evidence, the details of which have been suppressed from the public.

The statement from the courts also said Justice Mildren anticipates he will refer “certain matters of law for determination by the full court”.

“It is anticipated that a Directions Hearing will be held at 2pm tomorrow before Acting Chief Justice Southwood to determine when the full court will hear that matter,” the statement said.

Rolfe has indicated he will plead not guilty to the shooting death of Yuendumu man Kumanjayi Walker during a failed arrest in the remote town in November 2019.

NT Police had increased its presence in the court precinct ahead of the trial this week due to concerns around public safety.

“The heightened presence is related to the trial but operational details will not be shared,” a spokesman told media earlier in the week.

“We acknowledge that this will be a difficult time for some members of the community and police will maintain a focus on community safety.”

It’s unclear when a new date will be determined for the trial.