THE sentencing of an Oswestry man for assault and theft has been delayed until the end of April after his counsel wanted to count up his remand days.

Carl Doidge, 37, appeared from HMP Hewell on a live link at Shrewsbury Crown Court, sitting at Telford Justice Centre, after he was not produced by prison officers for the third time in a week.

Last week, Doidge was refused travel from prison to Shrewsbury Crown Court because of an upset stomach and a mix-up on Wednesday, March 27 meant he was not produced again.

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He was set to be sentenced on Thursday, March 28 but his defence barrister Kevin Jones told Recorder Julian Taylor that there were issues around Doidge’s time spent in custody.

His request to adjourn was supported by prosecuting counsel Maria Brannan, who told Recorder Taylor that it was in the best interest to confirm the details.

He asked the judge for a week’s adjournment because there was confusion of how long his client had been held in custody through either a recall to prison or arrested on a warrant, with the overall total counting towards his custodial sentence for new offences.

However, Mr Jones was told that the earliest date for a new hearing would be until Monday, April 29 because of the backlog at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

In January this year at Telford Magistrates Court, Doidge pleaded guilty to assaulting a security guard at B&M in Oswestry in an incident on August 31, 2023 after he was confronted for stealing a bottle of wine and chewing gum.

He had previously admitted the theft and also admitted spitting in the guard’s face and leaving without paying.

He also faces being sentenced for stealing vapes, e-cigarettes, tobacco, cigarettes and a Halifax Bank Card to the value of £1,624.51 from Esso at Mile End Services, outside Oswestry.

He is also to be sentenced for a domestic assault incident.

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Recorder Taylor told the defendant: “I’m sorry about this – you’ve heard what’s been said.

“You will be produced next time so can you make sure you get on the van – it wasn’t your fault this time.

“April 29 is the earliest date the court can provide – these enquiries are in your interest.”