A man accused of a four-month spree of torture, robbery and blackmail was ordered into cells at the Old Bailey today after branding the judge corrupt.

Carlon Robinson, who is defending himself, hurled abuse at Judge David Stokes QC, claiming he was hiding information from the jury.

Shouting from the dock he said: "Every time there's something important, you start your corruptive behaviour."

Robinson, 27, of Brighton Marina, and co-defendant Nolan Atkins, 25, are accused of carrying out shootings and torture sessions in a bid to extort money and drugs.

It is alleged the pair tied up their victims before inflicting humiliating punishments during their four-month reign of terror in London, Brighton and Eastbourne.

The outburst came after Robinson accused police of planting cigarette butts as evidence at a flat in Brixton, south London, where the occupant was attacked. The pair's DNA was found on the butts.

When he wanted to go through DNA on each stub, the judge blocked him, saying: "This exercise is completely pointless in my mind."

Atkins, of no fixed address, denies attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two firearms offences.

Robinson denies two charges of attempted murder, five firearms offences, three charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and theft. The trial continues.