A 35-year-old man who admitted having sex with a 15-year-old girl has been warned to expect a jail term ‘of some length’.

Gary Driscoll pleaded guilty to carrying out a series of sex offences against the child when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court.

But a judge said he could not pass sentence because the defendant’s solicitor was talking part in the day of strike action against cuts in legal funding.

Judge Tim Mousley QC said: “These are very serious offences which are extremely likely, probably inevitably, going to attract a prison sentence of some length.

“I have got a report on you. Before I sentence you, you must have the benefit of being represented by a fully qualified lawyer.”

Driscoll, of Jopp Close, Haydon End, admitted five counts of sexual activity with a child and two of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Mousley QC adjourned the case to Friday, April 4 and released him on conditional bail until then.

He told him he must not contact named witnesses or the victim and must stay out of The Prinnels area of west Swindon.

Driscoll must now register as a sex offender.