Worksop man on GBH charge '˜sacks' his lawyer at court

A Worksop man accused of a serious assault '˜sacked' his barrister only moments before his latest appearance at Nottingham Crown Court.
NEWS from Nottingham Crown Court.NEWS from Nottingham Crown Court.
NEWS from Nottingham Crown Court.

James Sweeney, 35, of Trent Street, pleads not guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Andrew Smith at Plantation Hill, Worksop on Wednesday, January 27, and also to having an offensive weapon, namely a piece of wood.

But after a video conference from Nottingham Prison, where he is being remanded in custody, Sweeney said he no longer wished to be represented by Liam Loughlin, defending.

“We couldn’t get on,” said Sweeney. “He didn’t tell me anything helpful.”

Mr Loughlin responded: “We didn’t get on because he spent ten minutes screaming at me. I am happy to advise all I can, but he doesn’t wish to utilise my services. In effect, I have been sacked.”

As a result, the case was adjourned until Monday, July 18 for a two-day trial. Judge Jeremy Lea urged Sweeney to contact another lawyer to prepare his defence.

Sweeney was also due to be sentenced on two charges of shoplifting, which he denied but was found guilty of after a trial in his absence at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court last month. He stole meat items, worth a total of £73.45, in thefts from Sainsbury’s at Worksop on Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6.

These will also now be dealt with on July 18. He was remanded in custody.