BECAUSE two main witnesses to an assault charge did not appear at Feltham court last week, the case was dismissed

Brendon James Cumiskey, aged 58, of Octavia Road Isleworth, had been charged with assaulting Dorothy Wheeler at that address on November 7th last year.

He appeared later on bail and the bench was told that he thought it was Tuesday when it was, in fact, Wednesday. It was not until he heard the news on the radio about the football cup final, he realised he should have been at court.

Magistrates were told that the main witness, Mrs Wheeler, had moved to Ashford and could not be traced although police were still searching for her in homeless accommodation.

The doctor who should have given evidence about her alleged injuries had contacted the court and said that he would be unable to be there because of pressure of work.

The bench was given an outline of the case against the defendant and said that both had been out drinking and there had been a row over money and it was then he struck her.

Through various appearances at court Mr Cumiksey had denied the charge and when both witnesses failed to appear the bench threw it out.

A HOUNSLOW man charged with stealing a freedom pass worth £1,000, had his case adjourned to a later date at Feltham court last week.

He was Rafael Bettencourt, aged 27, of Hanworth Road, Hounslow, and the offence was said to have been committed at Hounslow on or before January 1st.

Others appearing at the same court and also had their cases adjourned to later dates included: Kanwinder Depp Deol, aged 33, of Meadowbank Gardens, Cranford, charged with possession of a large quantity of cannabis with intent to supply at Hounslow on March 9th.

Nathan Hayles, aged 24, of Staveley Gardens, Chiswick charged with assault on a police officer at Feltham on March 29th.

May 30, 2003 12:30