Bolton: Retrial of Christopher Banks delayed due to court pressures

Christopher Banks, 41, had been due to stand trial this week accused of sending the email.

Banks was told that due to pressures on the court system, he will have to wait around six months before a new trial can begin.

Addressing Banks, Judge Elliott Knopf said: “Sorry, Mr Banks, about all this but the court system really is under quite a lot of pressure at the moment.”

The trial is set to take place at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “It has not been possible to start your trial.”

Clad in a formal shirt and tie Banks, of Gargstang Avenue, Breightmet, spoke only to confirm his identity and to assure the judge that he understood and accepted why the trial had to be delayed.

This marks the second attempt to try the 41-year-old over the allegation, with the original jury having been unable to reach a verdict at the same court in August last year.

Banks had been brought before the court after having pleaded not guilty to sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.

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Saul Brody, prosecuting, and James Heyworth, defending and standing in for Graham Rishton who had been unable to attend due to illness, consulted their schedules and agreed that the case will be heard towards the end of this year.

Banks was granted bail on the same conditions as before, these being that he does not contact his alleged victim. with a date now set for December 6 2023.

The judge advised him that he must attend court on December 6, 2023 or else the trial could still go ahead in his absence.

The trial, which will be held again at Bolton Crown Court, is expected to last up to three days.