Maidstone Crown Court’s most senior judge complained bitterly to a jury that they would all have to go out and get some food because there was no water in the building.

Judge Jeremy Carey said without there being any washing up facilities caterers had refused to serve food at Breadsticks Restaurant on the third floor of the Barker Road court.

The Resident Judge, who also has the title Recorder of Maidstone, today told jurors that as a result they would have a longer lunch than usual.

“It is a lamentable state of affairs,” he said. “It is something I feel strongly about.”

Seeing a KM Media reporter in court, the judge added: “I won’t say any more as it might make the national or local press.”

An HM Courts & Tribunals Service spokesperson said: "Due to a boiler failure, on-site catering facilities have been disrupted at Maidstone Crown Court.

"Hearings continue as normal and contingency arrangements are in place. We are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.”