A trial of a man accused of stealing cash from someone he was caring for has been postponed after a series of unusual events. 

Allan John Beacham, of Wootton, Kent, first appeared in Salisbury Crown Court on Tuesday, May 30, for his eight-day trial to commence.

He had been accused of stealing cash from award-winning film writer Alan Pattillo while employed as his full-time carer between January 1, 2017, and June 1, 2019.

Beacham pleaded not guilty to the charge.

However, interview transcripts had not been done at the start of the trial so after two short days in court, the jury was sent home on Thursday afternoon (June 1).

Five days into the trial, on Monday, June 5, Beacham was medically unfit to stand trial so the jury was sent home again.

On Wednesday, June 7, the defendant returned and after around 30 minutes of hearing from Thomas Evans, prosecuting, Beacham collapsed in the dock and the trial had to be adjourned.

Today, Thursday, June 8, the jury returned but was told an accountancy expert who the defence would be calling upon was unavailable.

This meant that His Honour Judge Richard Parkes KC had to dismiss Mr Evans as well as the jury and relist the trial on a date to be fixed.

Judge Parkes, addressing the jury, said: "Over a period of eight days including today you have been called upon for one and a half days.

"I don't think I have ever presided over a trial like this one."

He explained how the accountancy expert had been rearranging her commitments but that she was now unavailable.

"We have reached the point where we cannot go any further," he added.

Judge Parkes apologised to the jury and thanked the members "profoundly" for their willingness to assist.

He added: "I can only apologise to you for the treatment you have received.

"You are here to perform a public service and you deserve a great deal better."

Beacham was released on conditional bail.

There has not yet been a date fixed for a retrial.