Man, 49, in court for kidnapping two women in Blackpool and Burnley to be accessed over his 'dangerousness'

Two women who claimed they were kidnapped by the same man in separate incidents in Blackpool and Burnley will have to wait another three months to see him sentenced.

The victims turned up at Preston Crown Court this week expecting to watch Christopher Brooks dealt with by a judge.

But, as they sat outside the courtroom, the sentence hearing was postponed before the 48-year-old had even reached the dock.

Recorder John Jones KC adjourned the case until just before Christmas after hearing a probation report on the level of danger Brooks poses to the public has still to be prepared.

In addition, victim impact statements from both women, to be read out in court, had not been seen by the defendant and examined by his legal team.

Brooks, of Manchester Road, Burnley, who has been in custody since his arrest almost six months ago, faced 10 charges involving the two women when he first appeared before Blackburn Magistrates on March 20.

In addition to two counts of kidnap, he was also charged with offences of robbery, making threats with a knife, threats to kill, assault, burglary and sending threatening communications.

Six of the offences were said to have taken place in Blackpool and involved a woman from the resort. The other four involved a woman from the Burnley area.

Recorder Jones was told that Brooks wanted to be sentenced this week. But, although a pre-sentence report had been prepared by the probation service, it did not include information about his “dangerousness.”

The judge ordered a new report on that specific point to be prepared because he felt it was important before he could decide on sentencing him.

“I can’t proceed to sentence today for a number of reasons,” he told the court.

“Firstly, victim personal statements have now been served, but the defendant has not seen them. He needs to know what is being said (by the victims) and read in court.

“Secondly, the last sentence imposed on him was an extended sentence. There is no report today on dangerousness and that is required.

“I make it clear that the probation service are required to assess him for dangerousness. A judge will require a full report on his dangerousness.”

He adjourned the hearing until December 14. He also agreed a request for Brooks to appear for sentence via a video link from prison and not in person in the courtroom.