THE trial of a Cheshire West businessman accused of rape has been delayed for nearly two months as criminal barristers have begun strike action.

Benjamin James Kershaw was due to stand the first day of what is expected to be a four-day trial yesterday (Monday, June 27).

The 41-year-old, of Bishops Way in Winnington, previously pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman in an offence alleged to have taken place on January 24, 2018.

But criminal barristers across England and Wales have begun strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions, with a number rallying outside a number of high profile courts including Manchester, Cardiff and the Old Bailey in London.

That meant Kershaw did not have his defence barrister in Chester Crown Court for Monday's hearing.

Judge Patrick Thompson said the hearing would have to be adjourned due to the industrial action, as a trial could not be conducted without Kershaw having proper representation in court.

The judge added he did not want the case to be adjourned until a date beyond November, as the court was already listing cases to be heard in May 2023.

He added the serious nature of the case meant it was in the interests of both the complainant and the defendant for the trial to take place sooner rather than later.

The trial will now take place at Chester Crown Court in the week commencing August 22.

Kershaw was bailed on the same conditions as before, that is not to contact the complainant, who cannot be identified.