A DEFENDANT was going to admit an offence he claims he didn't commit - because he couldn't afford a lawyer.

But the judge refused to accept Paul Cassidy's guilty plea and told him to go away and get legal advice.

Mr Cassidy, of Warren Close, Bridgwater, was unrepresented when he appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Thursday after being charged with blackmail.

Judge David Ticehurst intervened after prosecutor Rebecca Bradbury told the court the defendant had indicated he planned to admit the offence because "he can't afford to do anything else".

Lorry driver Mr Cassidy told the court he would have pleaded not guilty if he had been able to afford a lawyer, but added that he could not afford upfront fees of between £4,000 and £6,000.

The judge said: "I'm not going to accept a guilty plea from you.

"You realise the normal sentence for blackmail is prison. I think you ought to have a lawyer.

"Talk to a lawyer and you might be able to come to some sort of arrangement.

"Otherwise, you might end up going to prison for four or five years for something you didn't do."

The case was adjourned until Thursday, February 1.