JUSTICE ground to a halt across South Cumbria today as defence solicitors went on strike.

Dozens of court cases had to be adjourned because legal teams took part in industrial action over Legal Aid payments.

Solicitors also refused to see new clients being held at police stations.

One duty solicitor was on hand at Furness Magistrates? Court this morning (15) to advise any defendants who were unrepresented.

But no other solicitors were there to defend their clients.

Clerks had to adjourn all cases until next week.

Some were due to be sentenced for crimes but will have to wait another week before they learn their fates.

The mass walkout, which happened all over the country today (15) is in protest at new working practices which will see them having to tender for work.