CROWN Prosecution Service lawyers received a courtroom rocket yesterday after a trial was halted because of a typist's holidays.

Harrogate magistrates should have sent a 24-year-old man for trial at York Crown Court on charges of assault and threatening behaviour after adjourning the case six weeks ago so committal papers could be prepared.

Prosecutor Nick Ralph said the papers were not ready, largely because a typist had been on leave.

Court chairman Ivan Lester said he was amazed that the interests of justice had been held up by a typist being on holiday. and suggested using temps.

Mr Lester granted Mr Ralph's request for a three-week adjournment but said: "The court will write to the CPS expressing views about the unsatisfactory nature of this morning's proceedings."