Jurors were stunned when a judge adjourned a case for six months - so he could go and watch Wimbledon!

Basildon defendant David Hunter must now wait until December before his case is heard, because the judge could not resist the temptation of prized tickets to the tournament.

The announcement came at Winchester Crown Court when Judge Patrick Hooton was faced with the dilemma of running the four day case -- or watching the tennis.

The trial, if started on time, would have run over the all-important mens' semi-finals at Wimbledon -- which the judge has gold dust tickets to see.

Judge Hooton, 47, told the court: "Some time ago, I managed to get hold of two tickets for the men's semi-final at Wimbledon on Friday.

"Some months ago, I arranged to take this Friday off and I start four weeks holiday immediately afterwards.

"I won't be doing anything this Friday apart from sitting in Wimbledon watching the tennis. Unless I can send the jury out first thing on Thursday morning, I can't start this trial. It would not be right on the outside chance to make everyone feel they have got to rush it.

"In normal circumstances I would have taken the time out of my holiday. Everyone knows my devotion to my duty. But it is the tickets to Wimbledon. I am never likely to get the chance of them again."

In agreeing the adjournment, Robert Conway, defending, said: "Wimbledon is in fact on my doorstep, but I cannot get tickets."

The case of Hunter, 41, of Crouch Street, Basildon, was adjourned until December and the defendant was placed on bail.

He denies charges of indecent assault on four teenage boys between 13 and 19 years ago in the Aldershot area of Hampshire.

Tennis fan - Judge Patrick Hooton.

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