4:31pm Thursday 2nd July 2009
BOVINGDON: A trial of a 44-year-old man charged with two assaults on his wife has been adjourned after two witnesses failed to attend court.
Philip Sells, of Chipperfield Road, Bovingdon, is alleged to have assaulted wife Zoe Sells on March 24 and April 18, at their home.
The defendant, who is in the middle of an “acrimonious divorce”, denies the allegations.
A trial was due to take place at Dacorum Magistrates' Court today, but chairman of the bench Brian Eyles adjourned proceedings at the request of Chris Hartnack, for the defence, after Mrs Sells' mother, Benita Clarke, did not appear.
Yasmeen Malik, prosecuting, said she would have opposed the application to adjourn but conceded she was in no position to without another prosecution witness PC Watson.
Miss Malik said: “I was happy to proceed, but unfortunately PC Watson is not here and I cannot proceed without him.
“I have no explanation why he is not here. My hands are tied, otherwise I would be looking to oppose the defence's application.”
A new trial date was set for Thursday, August 20, at Hemel Hempstead Magistrates' Court.
The defendant was released on bail until that date.
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