The case against a West Sussex couple accused of robberies at two nursing homes has been adjourned after they failed to appear in court.

The jury at Wood Green Crown Court, north London, was told Daniel Lewis, 21, and his wife Emma, 20, had "transport problems".

The couple, formerly of Meadow Close, Durrington, Worthing, are appearing alongside Daniel Lewis's stepfather Kevin Isted, 43, of Kingsley Close, Worthing.

The couple, who are living in a caravan park at her grandmother's home in Bognor, are alleged to have committed the robberies last year before they married.

Isted was a supervisor at a store where Daniel Lewis is accused of committing another robbery.

Both men deny robbing Elliot Taylor of cash and cigarettes worth £240 on April 14 2000 and having an imitation firearm on the same occasion at Alldays, Boxgrove Parade, Goring.

Daniel and Emma Lewis deny robbing Julie Harding of £5,697.62 on April 15 last year and having an imitation .177 calibre pistol on the same occasion at the Baytree Nursing Home, Highfield Road, Worthing.

Both also deny attempted robbery on May 3 2000 using an imitation pistol and stealing a handbag and contents on the same date belonging to Carole O'Neil, at the Madeira Nursing Home, Madeira Avenue, Worthing.

Christine Laing, prosecuting, told the jury Isted admitted trying to pervert the course of justice.

She added that the pistol was legally an imitation but was capable of firing pellets.