THE trial of Devizes farmer Richard Lewis, 36, of Dundas Close, who had denied a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a bull calf, collapsed on Wednesday when the RSPCA prosecutor offered no further evidence.

There had been 24 adjournments since 2002. The trial was due to be completed in April but there was an adjournment for a specialist report.

Simon Goodman, for the RSPCA, told the court: "It is now over a year since much of the evidence was presented. I would wonder if justice was being done for the trial to proceed any further."

The RSPCA may now face a legal bill of more than £10,000.