Sentence on a domestic violence abuser has been put back as a direct effect of the ongoing strike by some members of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA).

Michael Francis was due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court today (Tuesday September 13) after his recent conviction for offences of violence and damage committed against a former partner.

The 31-year-old defendant, of Escomb Villas, Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, denied three charges of assault, two of assault causing actual bodily harm and two of criminal damage.

In a drawn-out case, which has been subject to several delays, he was found guilty by unanimous jury verdicts on all seven counts after unanimous jury verdicts delivered at the end of a week-long trial at Newcastle Crown Court, in late July.

Read more: County Durham domestic violence perpetrator to be sentenced next month

Judge Timothy Gittins adjourned the case and remanded Francis to remain in custody, pending sentence this week.

But when the case was called into court for the scheduled sentencing hearing today (September 13) Francis was unrepresented, as his counsel, Andrew Rutter was said to be taking part in the continuing strike action by members of the CBA.

Judge Gittins said given that Mr Rutter was due to mitigate in a case of such importance, it was, “unfortunate and unavoidable in the circumstances” that the hearing should be further adjourned, despite delaying the distress for the complainant, who is due to read her victim impact statement to the sentencing hearing.

Read more: Concerns raised over 'scary' Durham domestic violence figures

A new date for the sentencing hearing was agreed between the various parties present, for the week beginning October 31.

Remanding Francis to remain in custody until the week of October 31, Judge Gittins told him: “I hope the Bar Association action will have been resolved one way or another by then, so we can make sure it will go ahead some time in that week.”

Read next:

               Durham Police arrest four men following reports of domestic abuse

               Durham Police and Crime Commissioner secures funding to tackle domestic abuse

               Figures show North East's rise in domestic abuse cases

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