Man facing explosives charges 'absent', jury told

Police attended Harry Whittaker's address in Caddington, near Luton, in May 2024

The trial of a man charged with making explosive substances has been halted for the day after he failed to appear in court.

Harry Whittaker, 33, of Hyde Road, Caddington, near Luton, went on trial at the Old Bailey in London on Monday.

Jurors were due to begin hearing detail of the allegations against him on Tuesday.

But a judge told jurors the trial could not continue because Mr Whittaker was ''absent'' and they should return on Wednesday.

A judge told jurors that Harry Whittaker was ''absent''

Mr Whittaker is facing two allegations of making explosive substances, and four of possessing explosive substances, jurors have heard.

A jury was sworn in on Monday, and Judge Simon Mayo indicated that a prosecution lawyer would open their case with a summary of the evidence on Tuesday.

But the judge told jurors on Tuesday: ''We are not in a position to continue with the trial.

''The defendant is absent.''

Judge Mayo told jurors not to speculate about the reason for Mr Whittaker's absence and said they should return to court on Wednesday.

Mr Whittaker, who is on conditional bail, appeared in the dock when the hearing began on Monday.

Jurors have been told that he is accused of committing offences in May 2024.

Mr Whittaker has entered not guilty pleas to all six allegations.

The judge has said the trial was expected to last about three weeks.