A MAN who denies carrying out a house burglary gave a deep sigh on learning he must wait until October for his trial.

Crake Dean Fishwick is in custody accused of committing the break-in at the home in Warren Street, Horden, on January 11, this year, in which jewellery worth an estimated £350 was taken.

Appearing via video link at Durham Crown Court from the city’s nearby prison, the 25-year-old defendant, of Eighth Street, Horden, pleaded not guilty when the charge was put to him.

But, with the backlog of contested hearings building after the recently introduced temporary moratorium on trials, due to the coronavirus crisis, listings are now being made at the earliest in October, beyond the custody time limits for defendants, requiring Crown extension applications.

The date set in this case is October 7.

Remanding him in custody, Judge James Adkin told the defendant: “Ordinarily we would have liked to get to your trial in May or June. but due to the current circumstances, I’m afraid it’s a longer wait than we would have hoped.”