The trial of a man accused of raping a child was halted because a judge fell asleep, it has been claimed.
An investigation has been launched into the allegations that Recorder Philip Cattan nodded off as a young alleged victim gave evidence via video-link.
The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office confirmed it is looking at what happened at the trial of John Quigley at Manchester Crown Court.
After the allegation was made, the judge stopped the trial and it will now be relisted.
In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service said: "The jury has been discharged in the trial of R v John Quigley at Manchester Crown Court following an issue that arose at court during the cross examination of the first complainant in the case.
Sky News North of England Correspondent Nick Martin said the incident was pointed out by barristers in court working on the trial, which had cost around £10,000 by the time it was halted.
Quigley, 49, of Avon Road, Burnage, Manchester, denies a number of sex offences including raping a child under 13.
Philip Cattan is a practising barrister in the Manchester area as well as a recorder, which is a part-time judge. He belongs to the St Johns Buildings Chambers in the city.
When Judge Gabriel Hutton was found to have nodded off during a rape trial at Gloucester Crown Court in 2002, causing it to be abandoned, he was disciplined.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/child-rape-trial-halted-judge-fell-asleep-104942804.html#JWtizc1
It beggars belief that this could happen.
The first few posters sum up the situation very well - I would also like to see him reimburse the public for costs.
Any bets on whether or not he will keep his job
Shall we reboot our cartoons thread again? 😁
Good Morning Good Friday 29th March 2024
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