Child sex abuse trial: Defendant Arshid Hussain appears by video link following health problems

Hussain, who denies 29 charges, has been absent from the court room since the trial began on December 8 due to health reasons.

Today Her Honour Judge Sarah Wright lifted a reporting restriction which had prevented the Press from reporting Hussain’s absence and the reason for his absence.

Previously, the jury had only been told he could not attend due to health reasons.

Yesterday and today, he appeared from his bed at home in Goole via video link to hear evidence against him.

Hussain’s barrister, Mr Tahir Khan QC today revealed more about his condition.

Mr Khan said: “In 2005 he was shot in the abdomen, his spinal chord was damaged and since then he has been a paraplegic.

“His spleen was ruptured and removed and the base of his left lung was also damaged.

“He has been wheelchair bound since then and for last two years has been completely bed ridden and struggles to even sit up for ten minutes.

“He has big sores on each buttock.

“Attempts to close the wounds with skin grafts have failed and he's also developed gall stones in the last two years but he’s considered unfit for surgery.”

Mr Khan said his client was heavily medicated and struggled to stay awake and maintain concentration.

Hussain faces 29 allegations including rape, assault, indecent assault, conspiracy to rape and aiding and abetting rape.

The trial continues.