A TRIAL had to be put off at Evesham Magistrates Court because of what court chairman Margaret Blanchard described as an appalling lack of communications.

Dean Garside denied three charges of assault in Droitwich on Wednesday, August 1.

Stephen Harris, prosecuting, asked magistrates at Evesham to adjourn the trial because three of his witnesses, two of whom were on holiday abroad, were not present.

His application was opposed by Barry Newton, representing 23-year-old Garside, of Cockshute Hill, Droitwich, who pointed out witnesses were warned on Wednesday, September 19, but it was not until Monday that he was told they were not available to attend.

Mr Newton said it seemed a blas attitude on the part of the witnesses and added: "It shows arrogance and disregard for the system, which I find appalling and leaves a lot of questions to be answered."

Mr Harris explained that although witnesses indicated their availability at a previous hearing, the two who were now abroad had to change their holiday dates afterwards.

Mrs Blanchard agreed that the lack of communications was appalling, but it was in the interests of justice that there should be an adjournment of the hearing.

The case was adjourned to Droitwich on Wednesday, October 24 for a new date to be fixed.