SENTENCING of a man who took children for a ride in his van without their parents’ permission has been delayed after he arrived at court in a wheelchair.
Trevor Hallcup admitted four counts of child abduction, at a hearing at Durham Crown Court, in September.
The charges related to three boys and a girl, aged 11 to 14, who he took for a ride on May 2, last year, having not informed their parents or guardians.
Hallcup, 32, of Dunn Road, Peterlee, was bailed to return for sentence at the court today, to allow for preparation of medical and Probation Service reports.
Having previously attended court on foot, the defendant arrived for today’s hearing in a wheelchair, which Miss Waugh said he sometimes uses when he is in pain from his medical conditions.
Due to restricted access in the 204-year-old court building the case was further adjourned and transferred to Teesside Magistrates’ Court, which has facilities to cater for defendants using wheelchairs.
The sentencing hearing will now be on November 25, at the court in Middlesbrough.
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