A JUDGE has criticised the Crown Prosecution Service after child rape case proceedings were delayed.

David Pennery, 25, is accused of a series of sexual offences.

Pleas to the charges were due to be entered at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday but the CPS failed to properly prepare an indictment with accusations for Pennery to admit or deny.

Pennery was originally charged with two counts of rape against a boy aged under 13, five counts of sexual assault on a boy by touching and making indecent images of a child.

The offences were allegedly committed between 2014 and 2015 in locations including Colchester Zoo.

Pennery, of Circus Square, Colchester, was bailed to appear at court again on November 23.

Richard Wood, prosecuting, said attempts were made to advance the case into a position to allow yesterday's hearing to go ahead but those attempts had failed.

He apologised to the court but Judge David Goodin absolved him of any responsibility.

He also ordered the CPS to provide a written explanation for its failings in time for the next hearing.