Bellamy trial halted by 'photographer'

The assault trial of Premiership footballer Craig Bellamy was briefly halted today after a court usher claimed to have seen somebody taking photographs of the defendant.

Shortly after Bellamy’s barrister John Charles Rees began deliberations at Cardiff Magistrates Court this afternoon, District Judge John Charles was informed of an alleged contempt of court.

Mr Charles asked for police to be called to court number two after the usher saw a mobile camera phone being placed against the window of the court room door and pointed towards Bellamy during the fifth day of the trial.

A number of officers were sent to the foyer outside the courtroom where they questioned a number of young men.

Bellamy, 27, of Menei Way, Rumney, Cardiff, denies common assault against Sophie Palmer and her friend Holly Smith during a night out in Cardiff city centre during the early hours of February 5.

Bellamy’s friend, Franklin Lynch, 52, of Glan-Y-Mor, Barry, south Wales, also denies one count of common assault against Miss Palmer.