Alleged serial rapist Joseph McCann has decided to attend his trial for the first time as it reached a “critical” point, jurors have heard.
The 34-year-old is accused of 37 charges relating to 11 women and children, including rape, false imprisonment and kidnap.
McCann, of Harrow, west London, who denies the charges, had opted not to come to the Old Bailey as the prosecution outlined its case.
But as the trial reached a “critical” point, McCann changed his mind, jurors were told.
Mr Justice Edis told jurors: “I’m sorry you have been kept in the dark and kept hanging around.
“I told you some time ago that the defendant had decided not to attend his trial but that he would be able to do that if at any time he changed his mind.
“Obviously, the time has come because the prosecution has all but closed its case, if he wants to, the defendant can give evidence.
“Today, the court has received information that he does now wish to attend his trial.
“That is something that cannot simply be arranged immediately and therefore we have been considering arrangements for that during the course of this morning.”
The senior judge told jurors to return to court at 11am on Tuesday to resume the case.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
