SCORES of cases at Taunton Magistrates' Courts are being put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak. People brought before the courts charged with crimes ranging from assault to downloading indecent photographs, criminal damage and theft have been delayed.

Cases scheduled to be heard yesterday (Thursday) were put back until a 'holding date' in May due to "the situation regarding COVID-19.

Defendants have been told they will not need to attend and will be contacted with a date for their next appearance.

The delays will cause a backlog of cases to be heard once the coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.