THE trial of an alleged drug dealer has been delayed due to a lack of prosecution counsel.

Nigel Lewin, of Berkeley Avenue in Reading, has been charged with two counts of possessing a controlled drug of Class A with intent to supply – namely cocaine and diamorphine.

The 50-year-old wad due to stand trial in November 2021 but there no court available to take it.

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It was relisted for trial last week (April 13) at Reading Crown Court but there was no one available to prosecute the case.

Barrister James Murray-Smith said: “I regret to say I don’t know why [the barrister expected] isn’t available.

“I assume he has been in a trial which has extended into this week longer than expected.

"I can indicate my clerk spoke to solicitors representing Mr Lewin yesterday about the difficulties we were facing.”

Judge Emma Nott, who was due to be presiding over the case, said the situation was ‘frustrating’ and apologised to Lewin for the delay.

She said: “It’s not a happy situation equally I understand the pressure on the bar, it’s frustrating its becoming increasingly common.

“The Crown is to review this case as to whether it remains in the public interest to prosecute given its age it goes back to 2019.

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“On the positive side, the older this case the more likely the Crown will take a pragmatic view against it.”

The trial has been relisted for September 4.