A JUDGE was forced to adjourn a hearing for a man accused of a series of crimes after a "mess" over the charges.

Barry Cairns, of Stafford Road in Bournemouth, appeared at the town's crown court on Monday morning charged with a number of offences.

However, the case was pushed back to next week after barristers acting for both prosecution and defence said they were unable to proceed.

Cairns, who will turn 50 this month, is charged on several indictments.

He faces accusations of assaulting an emergency worker, namely a police officer, theft, fraud and driving while disqualified.

One of the charges faced by the defendant is that he stole alcohol worth £1,315.45 from Sainsbury's in Ringwood Road, Ferndown. He is also accused of using fake cash to buy a Ford KA, and of stealing a £700 barbecue from the George Tapps pub in Old Christchurch Road.

On Monday morning, Tom Acworth, prosecuting, said some charges may be amended, while there are also allegations relating to a matter in Portsmouth that remain unresolved.

Claims have also been made that Cairns may be charged with breaching a court order.

His explanation of matters prompted Judge Stephen Climie to remark: "What you're saying is, it's a mess."

Mr Acworth replied: "I wouldn't use that word, but I can see your honour's point."

Brian Sharman, representing the defendant, said: "It's got to be sorted out.

"It's unfortunate."

Cairns has already been in custody for around three months awaiting a hearing, it was heard.

Addressing the defendant, Judge Climie said: "This is not your fault, but this case is in a mess."

He adjourned the case until next Tuesday to allow prosecutors to establish a full indictment of charges.