SENTENCING in the case of a Turkish man found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at a Powys leisure centre has again been delayed.

Emrah Orhan, 37, was due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday, November 28, but was not, after his legal representation withdrew from defending him.

Orhan had previously denied one count of sexual assault, but was found guilty at trial in Swansea in September.

It was alleged he intentionally touched a woman without her consent at Ystradgynlais Leisure Centre on August 5 last year.

The defendant, of Milton Terrace, Mount Pleasant, Swansea, had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in April, but the jury at his trial found him guilty on September 19.

Currently on remand at HMP Parc in Bridgend, Orhan appeared via videolink on Thursday, but Judge Catherine Richards again told him the case could not proceed.

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Andrew Kendall, who had been due to defend Orhan, said: “After a pre-hearing conference this morning, I no longer feel properly able to represent the defendant and his interests, and I feel obliged to withdraw.

“My instructing solicitors have also indicated they feel they should withdraw also.”

County Times:

Judge Richards said Orhan had a right to be represented. “He is facing a prison sentence and there are restrictions on imposing custody when someone is not represented,” she said.

She told Orhan: “I will have to put your case off for sentence but I am unsure if you will be able to have a new lawyer within a week."

Judge Richards adjourned the case until December 6, when Orhan will appear again via videolink.