THE trial of March hotel owner Martin Ellis was adjourned until the end of April at the earliest after a forensics expert, vital to the prosecution, decided to go on holiday to Greece. Ellis, of the Griffin Hotel, was due to be tried for two firearms offe
THE trial of March hotel owner Martin Ellis was adjourned until the end of April at the earliest after a forensics expert, vital to the prosecution, decided to go on holiday to Greece.
Ellis, of the Griffin Hotel, was due to be tried for two firearms offences, the first for possessing a TX200 British Air Arms rifle without a firearms certificate and the second for possessing ammunition, also without a certificate.
Judge Johnathan Howarth: "This was listed for trial this morning and we arrive at the trial to find that the forensics expert who is at the heart of the Crown Prosecution's case is not present in court because she has taken a holiday. "I find the behaviour of that witness extraordinary and unprofessional.
"Fault can in no way be laid at the door of the Crown. It was her decision to do what she has done and there will be questions asked of her.
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