Judge's apology to rapper Romeo

Romeo is a member of the So Solid Crew

So Solid Crew star Romeo had a wasted trip to court after "shortcomings" in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The judge apologised to the rapper, real name Marvin Dawkins, 24, after a delay in getting case papers to the defence team.

Mr Dawkins and four others, face charges in connection with a knife attack in central London last August.

All five will appear at Southwark Crown Court again on 6 December when they are expected to enter a plea.

Sarah Forshaw, prosecuting, said late service of some case papers "by those instructing me" had left her "learned friends for the defence" in difficulties.

I hear this day in, day out, and there are defendants in the dock day in and day out who hear the CPS can't do their job properly Judge Paul Dodgson

"This is ridiculous," said Judge Paul Dodgson.

He added: "I hear this day in, day out, and there are defendants in the dock day in and day out who hear the CPS can't do their job properly.

"It is extremely regrettable."

He then told the defendants: "I very much regret that we have to adjourn the case yet again and I very much regret that you have to come back yet again in two weeks' time.

Bail conditions

"It is not fair on you, but that is the situation we find ourselves in."

He added all five, who are charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and violent disorder, could remain on bail.

Under conditions previously imposed, Mr Dawkins of Rotherhithe, south-east London, must observe a 1900 BST to 0700 BST curfew and cannot enter parts of central London except for his work.

Similar conditions, with an added curfew requirement, were variously imposed on the rapper's brothers, Julian, 26, and Nathan, 18, both of Southfields, south-west London, and Thomas Engola, 27, of Stanley Grove, Battersea, south London.

Darren Moore, 28, of Earlsfield, south-west London, was told the only condition that would apply to him was the prosecution witness contact ban.