A defendant awaiting trial has received an apology from Bath magistrates after his hearing was delayed late in the day for a second time.
Solicitor John Stokes, representing Femi Bamidele, indicated he would be seeking a judicial review at the High Court if his client’s trial is delayed again.
Bamidele, from High Street in Upper Weston, has denied the three charges against him.
It is alleged that on 2nd July 2024 in Bath, he used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, causing harassment, alarm or distress.
The 47-year-old is also accused of an assault on 17th August last year and on the same day of resisting a policeman in the execution of his duty.
Bamidele pleaded not guilty to all the charges on 18th September, and had been due to stand trial in January.
However, it did not go ahead then due to time constraints and was adjourned until Wednesday 18th June. But again the trial was unable to proceed as there was not enough time.
Mr Stokes told the court this was “unacceptable” and “unfair” on his client who had built himself up a second time for his trial. He asked for the situation to be taken “seriously” by the court administration.
The court’s legal adviser said it was “unfortunate”, but custodial cases must take priority.
The chair of the bench apologised to the defendant and explained that custody cases could not be controlled and that the system “is not perfect by any means”.
Remanding Bamidele on conditional bail until his new trial date of 15th December, she told him she hoped it could go ahead then.
Other trials due to be heard last Wednesday, 18th June, were also delayed. Only one of the three courts was operating.
