THE barristers’ version of work to rule in their campaign against legal aid cuts caused four cases to be adjourned at York Crown Court in one day in a single courtroom.

In total, justice was delayed for eight defendants.

Glenn Parsons had represented Darren Gell, Maciej Krawczyk, Anthony Birkitt and Carl Osborne at earlier hearings and had expected to continue to represent them.

But when all four appeared in separate hearings before Recorder Amanda Rippon at York, he was 50 miles away at Teesside Crown Court appearing in an unrelated trial taking longer than expected.

Solicitors for each were unable to find a barrister to stand in for Mr Parsons as barristers are operating a “no returns” rule, meaning they do not step in as is normal The “no returns” rule is part of a joint barristers and solicitors campaign to stop legal aid cuts of up to 18 per cent in court cases.

The judge adjourned all their cases until Mr Parsons could attend.

Four other defendants jointly charged with one of Mr Parsons’ clients also had their cases delayed.

Gell, 33, of Foss Court, Huntington Road, York, was due for sentence with three other defendants as was Osborne, 26, of Saxon Court, Shipton.

Birkitt, 38, of Lowther Street, York, was due to plead and Krawczyk, 38, of no fixed address, was appearing for a preliminary hearing.