[2008] EWCA Crim 680

Where a defendant was absent from trial through ill health, a short adjournment pending recovery ought not to be refused. However, even where a defendant was not voluntarily absent, the court had to consider whether an adjournment would resolve the problem and, if so, how long an adjournment was likely to be, the extent to which legal representatives could receive and act upon instructions in the defendant's absence and the interests of the public, witnesses and victims.

CA (Crim Div) (Moses LJ, Cranston J, Recorder of Liverpool)

19/02/2008