POLICE have launched an investigation amid allegations that a juror involved in a trial at Mold Crown Court was approached via social media, it was revealed today (Wednesday).

The trial was halted on Tuesday and the jury was discharged.

Today, the court heard that police were investigating allegations of perverting the course of justice amid claims that a person sitting in the public gallery had taken down the names of the jury as they were being sworn in and later approached a female juror via Facebook.

Prosecuting barrister Mark Connor said that it had also been alleged that the complainant had been the subject of threats before trial via social media.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said that it was a matter of great concern.

"This is very unusual in Mold.

"I will not have trials derailed in this way," he said.

Prosecuting barrister Mark Connor said that it was very concerning.

The police, he said, was investigating the possibility of a conspiracy to interfere with the course of justice "involving a number of individuals."

He said that the police investigation was proceeding.

Defendant Stephen Kingsley, 31, of Crud y Gwyn in Denbigh, was remanded in custody until Friday when the judge said that the situation would be reviewed.

The defendant denied a series of allegations of historic child sexual abuse over a seven-year-period.

Kingsley denies three counts of sexually assaulting a child, two counts of assault by penetration and thee charges of sexual activity with a child.

He also denied four counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and one charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between 2004 and 2011.