A MAN who is facing charges of sexual assault has refused to leave his cell for a live link video appearance at Exeter Crown Court.
Stuart Hodgkin, aged 40, of Winchester, is charged with carrying out the assault at Newton Abbot last year.
He was due to appear by video link from Exeter Prison but the hearing took place in his absence after he refused to go from his cell to the video booth.
Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, registered a not guilty plea on Hodgkin’s behalf and adjourned the case until the summer.
Hodgkin, who was represented by barrister Mr William Parkhill, remains remanded in custody.