Sutton Bridge defendant barred from dock after claims he is 'self isolating'

A defendant who turned up for his crown court hearing claiming that he was self isolating was barred from entering the dock.

Robin Garner, who suffers from a number of underlying health conditions, was initially told to wait outside the building when he announced his status after entering the reception area at Lincoln Crown Court today.

But he was later told to go home and his hearing took place in his absence.

Garner (54), of Lime Street, Sutton Bridge, had been due to enter his plea to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm arising out of an alleged incident in September last year.

Garner's barrister James Varley told the court: "He suffers from numerous health concerns and so does his elderly mother. It appears that he is following Government advice. It seems to me that he ought not to have been here."

Judge Simon Hirst adjourned the hearing until April 16 and Garner's bail was continued.