The trial of a record label owner accused of firing handguns from his home was dramatically halted today.

Michael Alunomoh, 34, is alleged to have repeatedly shot the weapons into the air from Marina Point East in Chatham Dockside, in April last year.

His trial started earlier this week but has been called off after the defendant fell ill.

The jury were also told that because of "personal reasons" the judge was no longer able to continue on the bench at Maidstone Crown Court.

Judge Philip Statman - in discharging the jury from returning verdicts - said: "It's unusual but it's a bit of a double whammy. I can assure you it has nothing to do with Covid 19."

Alunomoh, who is CEO of Truth or Dare Records, has denied three offences of possessing imitation firearms, included two Eagle, blank-firing 9mm self-loading pistols and a Camp assault rifle and intending to cause fear of violence.

A new trial date will be made in the near future.

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