A MAN who was set to stand trial accused of seriously injuring a young child may have fled to Ireland, it is feared.

David Farrelly, 24, denies leaving the child with rib fractures and a serious head injury during an incident in early 2015.

His trial was due to start at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday. It was initially delayed because Farrelly, who was on bail, phoned the court to say he had missed his train.

When he eventually arrived, Farrelly claimed to be suffering from an increased heart rate and dizziness.

Paramedics were called and he was treated for more than an hour in a side room at the court.

His defence counsel, who had never met Farrelly before, told Judge John Lodge he needed time to take instructions from his client.

Farrelly later told the court he would not feel well enough to speak to his lawyers until Monday. The case was adjourned, with a new trial date set for six months time.

On Monday, Farrelly contacted the court to say he was unwell again. Judge Lodge then issued a warrant for his arrest - but he had still not been found by the time the Echo went to print.

The court heard he has contacts in Ireland and could be planning to “go to ground”.

Farrelly has ties to Rochford, Southend, Clacton and Romford. He is of stocky build and has short, dark hair.

Farrelly’s co-defendant, Zoe Parsons, 23, attended every day of the trial. She asked to be tried separately because the nature of her charges are different to Farrelly’s.

But Judge Lodge said the pair should be tried together and set a new trial date for Monday, September 25.

He said: “It is unfortunate that it will involve a further delay of six months for the other defendant, who has clearly from the outset cooperated with the system.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.