A JUDGE has described as "unacceptable" why no prosecutor was available to conduct the trial this week against an Isle of Wight man accused of throttling and seriously assaulting a woman.

Zak Newnham, of Reed Street, Ryde, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Tuesday (July 23), due to stand trial for a predicted four days, on an indictment which includes the following:

  • Intentional strangulation, between January 1-30 last year;
  • Inflicting actual bodily harm, on October 30, 2016;
  • Engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, between January 1, 2016, and March 14 last year. 

The court was told no prosecutor was available to conduct the jury trial.

The judge, William Ashworth, said not have a prosecutor for the trial was "unacceptable" — telling the 51-year-old he was due an apology from the Crown Prosecution Service, as it was unfair on the complainant and Newnham.

Newnham was bailed to reappear for trial on March 3 next year — a delay of more than six months.