BRADFORD solicitors, taking part in industrial action over cuts to legal fees, say judges have expressed concern over at least two serious cases where defendants were not legally represented.

In one case, a woman facing serious charges had her case adjourned three times last week because she was unable to secure legal representation as a result of the solicitors’ action.

The woman, who is said to suffer from a range of mental health issues and autism, has been remanded in custody. The case involves vulnerable child witnesses.

Her case was adjourned again on Friday and is now due to be heard later this week.

Concerns were also expressed over a second case involving a 17-year-old youth facing serious charges and who was said to have twice tried to commit suicide while in custody. That case was adjourned until today.