DEFENDANTS are appearing unrepresented at Bournemouth Crown Court as a row between striking barristers and government officials continues.

Many self-employed criminal law barristers have been refusing to take on new taxpayer-funded cases since April 1 in protest at new fees.

Yesterday, defendant Charlotte Ormerod was unrepresented as she pleaded not guilty to an offence of burglary via prison videolink.

The 31-year-old, who lives in Southbourne Grove, denies entering a property in Palmerston Mews on February 26.

Before formally denying the charge, she asked the court: "Is it best for me to do this without a barrister?"

Judge Stephen Climie informed the defendant of the strike, and said he was unable to offer any legal advice.

"My responsibility is to make sure your position is not prejudiced - I am acutely conscious of that," he said.

Ormerod will face a trial at the court on August 20.

Barristers are qualified to speak on behalf of clients in crown courts. They currently on strike in protest at cuts to the justice system.