A MAN accused of threatening to disclose private sex photographs and films is still yet to enter a plea due to the ongoing barristers' strike.
Steven Jones appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, (August 9) unrepresented.
The 40-year-old, who rushed out of court to a van parked outside, faces one count of disclosing/threatening to disclose private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress.
The offence is alleged to have been committed in Malvern on March 22 this year.
At the start of the hearing, Judge Martin Butterworth asked Jones, of Lavender Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, if he was aware his barrister would not be attending due to them taking part in the strike action.
"I was told (by the solicitor's firm) a couple of days ago your honour," Jones replied.
"I heard there was trouble with barristers."
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The judge replied there was current industrial action, accepting this was the reason for Jones being unrepresented for his plea and trial preparation hearing.
After inquiring if he had taken legal advice about his plea, the judge said he would not be asking him for it.
"I'm not going to expect you to commit to anything today, because you are not represented," the judge said.
"I'm not going to ask you to enter a plea, I'm going to put the case off to an occasion when you are represented."
Ian Ball, prosecuting, highlighted that next week would also be a strike week, so suggested that could also be a difficult time for the case to be rescheduled.
The judge said he had noted that so said he would adjourn the case until September 7 - a date not expected to see industrial action.
Judge Butterworth told Jones he would need to be in a position to give a plea on that date, and that he should make sure his legal representatives are aware his defence statement needs to be sent to the court before October 17.
The strike action, being held nationally, is in a long-running dispute over pay.
Barristers are currently striking in alternate weeks bringing large-scale disruption and delays to cases.
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