A policy of listing two trials on the same day in one court at Oxford Magistrates' Court set back a burglary trial on Thursday, May 1.
Mansour Chasebi, 45, of Weldon Road, Marston, Oxford, was due to stand trial for alleged burglary of the fishmonger's in the Covered Market.
But his case clashed in Court Three with that of Lee Brockwell, 34, of Bartholomew Road, Cowley, who denied a drink driving charge and wanted his trial heard too.
Defence solicitors argued over which case should be postponed while numerous witnesses waited outside.
Paddy Roche, for Brockwell, persuaded the magistrates that his case should have priority.
The allegation was almost a year old, he said, and his client was paying privately.
"It's costing Mr Brockwell money every minute that the case lasts," Mr Roche said.
Court list officer Pat Hicks said it was the policy of magistrates courts in the Thames Valley to "double-list" cases.
She conceded it was disappointing when it caused inconvenience.
Chasebi, who denies burglary, was bailed until a new trial date of July 29.
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