The reason is the current wrangle over legal aid rates for the so-called "very high cost cases", the most serious trials to take place in the criminal courts.

The Bar has already issued warnings that the trials — involving murder, rape, terrorist offences, drugs and fraud — are at risk because of the ongoing dispute over fee rates, which has seen hundreds of barristers failing to sign up to the new special panel to handle the work.

Now, at a hearing just last week at Liverpool Crown Court, it emerged that the Rhys Jones trial, currently scheduled for October 2, may have to be adjourned.