The trial of a former executive chairman of the now defunct JJB Sports chain, who was accused of forging a bank statement to disguise the fact that he had borrowed £1.5 million, was abandoned today due to his ill health.

Sir David Jones, who made his name turning around the Next fashion stores, borrowed the cash from JJB founder Dave Whelan at a time when he was heavily in debt, the jury at Leeds Crown Court had heard.

But Judge Guy Kearl QC told jurors yesterday that the case was to be abandoned for the time being.

The businessman, of Ilkley, suffers from Parkinson's disease and the court heard that this affects his movements and how he is able to concentrate.

The prosecution case against him also said that he borrowed another £1.5 million from Mike Ashley, the billionaire owner of the Sports Direct chain and owner of Newcastle United football club.

Miranda Moore QC, prosecuting, said Sir David lied about both loans to the board of JJB Sports and, as result, the company put out misleading statements at a time when it was trying to raise £100 million on the financial markets.

Miss Moore said the businessman forged a bank statement with the help of his son, Stuart Jones, of Bingley, who is also on trial, in October 2009.

Sir David denies two charges of making a misleading statement, contrary to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, and one of using a false instrument, contrary to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.

Stuart Jones, of Bingley, West Yorkshire, denies one charge of aiding and abetting his father's use of a false instrument.

As a result of the decision to discharge the jury, a new trial date was set for February 2015.