Hendry judge refuses ‘trial by TV’ in Australia

A lawyer acting for the couple accused of assaulting Hendry and his daughter Rheagan in a Lytham tapas bar asked for his clients to stand trial via live video link.

The case is due to last two days and the link would have cost £5,000 a day.

Hector McFarlane, 64, is accused of assaulting Hendry and Rheagan at Mojitos bar in Lytham and his wife Williamina, 62, is accused of harassing Rheagan.

They both deny the offences said to have taken place 17 months ago.

Since then the McFarlanes have been living in Thailand and have now moved to Australia.

Hector McFarlane claims that his medical condition has meant he has been unable to travel back to the UK.

In an application at Blackpool magistrates court heard by District Judge Jeff Brailsford, their lawyer argued it was in the best interest of justice that the case be heard over a video link despite the time difference which meant proceedings would start Down Under late at night.

However the judge rejected the application saying video links should only be used for vulnerable witnesses or defendants.

Mr Cobain said: “So be it.

“The McFarlanes will have to be told that.

“If they can make it fine if they cannot they can take the consequences.”

A date will have to be fixed for his clients’ trial later this year.

Colin Hendry had a highly successful Premier League and international career before becoming Blackpool manager in June 2004.

He was sacked in November 2005 after a poor run of results

He currently works for Blackburn Rovers after being declared bankrupt with debts of £2.2m.

Hector McFarlane was a pallbearer at the funeral of Hendry’s wife, Denise, who died after botched cosmetic surgery.

McFarlane said that Hendry’s debts included £85,000 he had loaned the footballer.