Drug and gun trial collapses as Jamie Rothwell 'unwell' and can't attend court

The trial of a number of men accused of guns and drugs offences has collapsed. Jamie Rothwell, 37; James Close, 40; Craig Makinson, 49; Callum Morris, 32; and Terrence McDonagh, 33, deny all the charges they face.

Mr Rothwell is 'unwell' and unable to attend court for the 'foreseeable future', jurors were told, before they were discharged. The case had begun with the prosecution's opening speech on August 1 and August 2.

But the trial did not resume the following week, with jurors being told that two of the defendants were 'unwell'. Mr McDonagh's illness 'has been resolved' but trial judge Alan Conrad KC told jurors that 'as far as Mr Rothwell is concerned, the position is more serious'.

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Judge Conrad told the jury that Mr Rothwell had been seen by doctors instructed by the prosecution and defence, who both said that 'Mr Rothwell will not be fit to continue with this trial in the foreseeable future'. "Therefore his trial could not continue before you," the judge said.

He added: "It is important in a case such as this that all defendants are tried together." Judge Conrad said he had decided that the trial of all defendants would be adjourned.

"Therefore the position has been reached where the trial as a whole cannot continue," he added. "It has not been an easy decision to reach."

Mr Rothwell was not present at Minshull Street Crown Court for the hearing on Tuesday morning. The case has been rescheduled for February next year, and the defendants were remanded in custody.

All five defendants - Mr Close, of Henry Street, Leigh; Mr Makinson, of Springpool, Winstanley, Wigan; Mr Morris, of Car Bank Crescent, Atherton; Mr Rothwell, of