A MAN accused of taking part in a break-in targeting state-of-the-art university computer equipment failed to appear at court yesterday.

John Eubaston Duffus was arrested in London, in May, by Durham detectives working in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police.

He was charged with burglary relating to one of two break-ins at Durham University's science complex, in Stockton Road, Durham, last December.

Mr Duffus, of the Jamaica Inn area of London, was to have appeared at Durham Crown Court yesterday, but was not present.

But the case was adjourned after the court was told Mr Duffus underwent treatment for an ulcer in hospital in Woolwich, London, on Tuesday.

The hearing was re-listed for Wednesday, at Durham, when Mr Duffus is expected to attend.

A co-accused, a 23-year-old south London man, is appearing before a court in Oxford tomorrow on a related charge.