A JUDGE has asked Dorset Police to provide a written explanation as to why they were unable to provide video footage of a Bournemouth town centre affray.

Recorder Malcolm Gibney was due to pass sentence in relation to the incident which took place in Old Christchurch Road on September 12 last year.

Prosecuting, Jonathan Underhill told the Bournemouth Crown Court hearing that "crucial and essential" CCTV which covers the entirety of the offence had not been made available.

Mr Underhill said requests were made to the force for the footage to be provided ahead of yesterday's hearing, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

The barrister said the incident was a "serious and protracted" affray, adding that matters must be dealt with properly.

He told the court it would not be fair to open the case without having the video available.

Legal representatives for the defendants said they had not seen the footage and would like to do so before the hearing took place.

Recorder Gibney said it was a "completely unsatisfactory delay" to proceedings.

"Police have been provided ample opportunity to provide this," he added.

Christopher William Wicks, 25 and of Walpole Road, Bournemouth, Richard Sankoh, 22 and of Nelson Road, Westbourne, and Ryan John Burns, 22 and of Wayne Road, Bournemouth, have all admitted affray. Wicks has also pleaded guilty to resisting a police officer.

They are now due to be sentenced at the same court on January 29.