THE TRIAL of a York man accused of assaulting a toddler has been halted after the young child was suddenly taken ill.

Paul Anthony Walton, 31, appeared at York Crown Court today (TUES) to deny charges of causing actual and grievous bodily harm to Owen Skilbeck, shortly before the youngster's second birthday.

But when Owen's mother Emma High was called away from court today by nursery workers who said he was ill and needed her care, Judge Paul Hoffman decided to stop the trial.

As he discharged the jury he said: "I am sorry this has happened. It means we are going to abort this trial." He went on to say that it would be a matter for the prosecution to decide later whether or not to continue with the case.

He added that Ms High, who was due to be cross-examined in court today, had "been up all night" tending to her child and was not fit to give evidence.

Judge Hoffman was told that Walton, formerly of Fourth Avenue, Tang Hall, has now moved to a new address. This location was not disclosed to the court.

Updated: 14:20 Tuesday, May 25, 2004