A JUDGE has criticised a “catastrophic failure” by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which caused a trial to be put off until next year.

The CPS had not disclosed some evidence to the defence in the driving case of Terry Stoute, of Cresswell Close, Reading, a judge was told.

This meant potential witnesses to the incident had not been contacted, Judge Peter Ross said.

Stoute, who used to live in Kidlington, is accused of causing a crash by pulling the handbrake of his ex-girlfriend’s car when she was driving on May 16, 2013.

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The 35-year-old denies the allegation and was due to go on trial yesterday at Oxford Crown Court.

But his defence barrister applied for an adjournment.

Judge Peter Ross agreed that there had been a “catastrophic failure” and demanded an explanation in writing within seven days.

He said: “If I could award costs [against the CPS] today I would.”

Stoute denies causing a danger to other road users on the A40 between Cutteslowe roundabout and Marston.

He also denies injuring his former girlfriend’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Chester, on the same date.

Stoute was released on conditional bail and his trial is now due to take place on January 12 next year.

The local CPS has had a troubled history of blunders and criticisms. An inspection revealed the Thames Valley branch was one of the worst performing in the country.

In July the trial of a man already convicted of criminal damage collapsed because the CPS bungled over its evidence.

And last year it admitted claims it twice made in court about the Oxford Mail's coverage of an Operation Bullfinch trial were untrue.

In July 85 per cent of Oxford Mail readers said the local organisation's history of mistakes showed it was not fit for purpose.


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