A MAN accused of rape has had his case delayed a second time after appearing at court unrepresented.
Jamie King of Martley Road, Worcester, is yet to enter pleas to an offence of rape and another of criminal damage.
The rape is alleged to have taken place on March 7, 2020 and the criminal damage of £881 to a car in Worcester on March 15, 2020.
As the hearing got underway the judge told prosecutor Neil Ahuja that there was an issue as King had turned up to court but had no one to represent him.
“This is the sort of case he ought to have representation," the judge said.
“I agree,” Mr Ahuja replied.
The judge addressed King saying on May 3 the case had been delayed, and asked him if he thought he would be represented at the latest hearing.
King explained there had been issues with his former representatives and was now switching to a new legal firm to represent him.
King said: “I (applied for) representation from Kieran and Co, but I haven’t had the funds available.”
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King explained he had transferred money to that firm on the morning of the hearing, held at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday, (June 1), but the firm had been unable to send anyone to represent him at late notice.
King said: “I have had to sell my car to be able to pay”, adding he expected that firm would represent him from now on.
The judge said this was helpful to know and said King may need time to speak to them about his plea.
King then said: “My plea is set your honour,” adding he was happy to say it if the arraignment was put to him.
But the judge replied: “I’d rather you do it after you have got representation.”
The judge set the stage 1 date – when the prosecution need to serve its evidence to the defence - by July 7, in anticipation King will be officially represented by then.
The case was adjourned until June 22.
Bail was set on the same terms as before, the judge explaining to King if he wanted to change his bail conditions he would need to submit a formal application once represented.
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