Another trial at Oxford Crown Court had to be adjourned for lack of prosecution counsel.

The allegation, which concerns a disorder in Witney a year ago, was before the court as a ‘floating’ trial on Monday (March 6). That meant it was not guaranteed to get on – as a ‘fixed’ trial would be - but could be called on if the other trial in the judge’s list was resolved.

When the trial before it ‘cracked’ and the defendant pleaded guilty, the second trial was called into court.

READ MORE: No prosecutor for sex assault case

Defence barrister Gordana Austin, standing alone in counsel's row beside the space usually occupied by the prosecutor, told judge Recorder Samantha Presland: “I am told that a prosecutor cannot be found for today.”

The judge, who appeared to have been made aware of the issue before coming into court, adjourned the matter until later in the week – by which point it was hoped that a prosecutor could be found.

In a neighbouring courtroom, there was no prosecutor for a hearing concerning a serious allegation of sexual assault. The judge in that case, Judge Michael Gledhill KC, asked the Crown Prosecution Service to pass on his feeling of ‘great disquiet’ about the lack of a prosecuting barrister.