Fred Talbot sex abuse trial dramatically halted after TV weatherman collapses in court
THE sex abuse trial of Fred Talbot was halted today after the former television weatherman injured his head and was sent to hospital.
Fred Talbot injured his head in the courtroom today
Talbot, 65, suffered a visible cut to his forehead after he appeared to trip and bang his head on a table while leaving the witness box at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
He has since been taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary for precautionary checks and the case is expected to continue tomorrow morning, the court heard.
The incident happened as the jury was sent out for a break after Talbot had started to give evidence in his defence.
The public gallery gasped as Talbot collapsed on the floor near the witness box and had to be helped to his feet by a court clerk.
Talbot groaned and looked dazed as a bloodied cut was clearly visible from his forehead.
Talbot denies 10 historic indecent assaults
He was in the box for about 20 minutes giving evidence in his defence against allegations that he indecently assaulted five schoolboys between the late 1960s and the early 1980s during his former career as a teacher.
During this time, he answered questions from his barrister, Suzanne Goddard QC, about his early life and career.
His injury happened moments after the jury was sent out for a break shortly before 11.50pm, followed by Judge Timothy Mort.
After you left the room, and I did, Mr Talbot leaving the witness box missed his footing and banged his head
The jury was later called back in by Judge Mort who told them that proceedings had been adjourned until tomorrow, adding that "fingers crossed" the trial would resume then.
The judge told them: "After you left the room, and I did, Mr Talbot leaving the witness box missed his footing and banged his head against the side of one of these structures.
"He was treated to see if he could be patched up with plaster but the paramedics came and they decided because it was a head injury he really ought to have it checked out so he has gone to MRI (Manchester Royal Infirmary) by ambulance, I'm afraid."
Earlier, the start of the court day had been delayed for an hour due to a fire drill.
Talbot, of Bowdon, Cheshire, denies 10 historic indecent assaults on five youngsters aged 16 or under in the late 1960s to the early 1980s, before he found fame on ITV.
The case continues.