THE Crown Prosecution Service has apologised for delays in dealing with the case of a man accused of assaulting East Lancashire Tory MP Nigel Evans on Christmas Eve.

The case against Gary Beddows was adjourned two weeks ago after the police had failed to produce important CCTV footage relating to the alleged attack at Mr Evans' store.

At Swansea magistrates court, the prosecution admitted that despite repeated requests to the police, the video had still not been handed over.

Prosecutor Gareth Lloyd-Jones expressed his regret at the "inordinate amount of time" proceedings were taking.

Beddows, 24, is alleged to have carried out the attack outside the politician's family store in Townhill, Sansea, after stealing lager worth £15.

Beddows, of Gwynedd Avenue, Townhill, Swansea, is accused of assault on the Ribble Valley MP causing actual bodily harm and two counts of theft.

The bench agreed to adjourn the case for a further 14 days but asked the Crown Prosecution Service to express their concerns to the police about the delay.

Beddows was remanded in custody.

His solicitor, Anthony John, said he had to see the video before advising his client.