The trial of a peer and Paralympian accused of sexual assault has collapsed after the prosecutor became too unwell to continue.

Lord Holmes of Richmond, 48, is accused of grabbing a masseuse by the buttocks and asking to touch her breasts during a treatment on March 7 last year.

However, after only one day of the trial, jurors at Southwark Crown Court were dismissed by Mr Justice Nicol on Thursday as prosecutor Linda Strudwick was unable to continue.

The High Court judge said: "Members of the jury thank you for your patience, you may have noticed that Ms Strudwick is not here this morning.

"I am afraid I have been told Ms Strudwick is unwell, she was unable to continue this case.

"As a result of this, there is not somebody who can stand in at such short notice and I am afraid I have no option but to discharge you from dealing with this matter."

During the first day of the trial, the court heard evidence from the alleged victim who said Christopher Holmes asked her if she "did extras" and also asked to touch her breasts.

Sarah Forshaw QC, representing Holmes, said the case will now be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide if the peer can have a second trial.

Ms Forshaw said: "Yesterday this case was reported on national news and extensively through both the national and local press, or at least one side of this case.

"I had yet to cross examine the complainant and Mr Holmes had yet to give his account.

"He has denied this allegation absolutely throughout and now because of the collapse of the trial at this stage the reporting there has been will be left entirely without balance.

"That will inevitably cause serious prejudice if there is to be a retrial down the line.

"Mr Holmes has suffered with mental health problems as a result of this prosecution being brought and we will be inviting the Director of Public Prosecutions to look at this case."

Holmes, of Priory Road, Kew, denies sexual assault by grabbing the woman.

He also denies pointing towards his groin or asking for sexual services, and said he only lightly touched her in order to "see" her, with her consent.