THE defence team representing the accused killer of Michael Blake has withdrawn from the case.

The jury was told yesterday that Lewis Power QC, of Church Court Chambers, will no longer be acting as Nathan Daniels' barrister in the trial.

The judge, Mr Justice Leggatt apologised to the jury for the delay and adjourned the case until tomorrow to allow Daniels time to find another barrister.

He said: "I am extremely sorry there has been further delay in the case and you have been waiting all morning.

"You have seen that the arrangement in the court is different because we no longer have present Mr Power. There has been a change of circumstances in the case and they are no longer representing Mr Daniels. That has been the cause of the delay.

"There will be further delay because I need to consider very carefully how the case can continue in a way that is fair to Mr Daniels.

"I regret that it is going to lead to some further time being needed before the case goes on to ensure that he has a fair trial.

"I was expecting to be finished by next week and that remains the position."

Mr Blake, aged 28, was found fatally wounded near his home on Manchester Road on the night of November 3.

The HGV driver and father-of-one from Manchester Road, Westhoughton, suffered a gunshot wound to the back of his head and another bullet wound to his leg.

He had been found unconscious in a ginnel beside the home he shared with partner Lauren Syddall.

He died later that day.

Daniels, aged 28, of Nottingham Avenue, Stockport, denies murdering Mr Blake and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.

The trial continues at Manchester Crown Court.