The sentencing of convicted murderer Cole Jarvis, who killed teenager Connor Lyons on the banks of the River Hull, has been delayed because his defence QC was not available.
The long-awaited hearing was originally due to have taken place today at Hull Crown Court.
Jarvis, 22, of Stroud Crescent West, Bransholme, denied murdering 17-year-old Connor on January 18 but was convicted by a jury after a trial in October.
The teenager's body was found on a river bank close to Thomas Clarkson Way on the morning of January 19.
He had been strangled before later drowning.
His body was found by a dog walker on a river bank on the outskirts of Bransholme.
The sentencing of Jarvis could not take place because defence barrister Richard Wright QC was stuck in an overrunning case at a Manchester court.
Ironically, Mr Wright had appeared in the same courtroom via a video link for the sentencing of a Scunthorpe woman who admitted manslaughter.
But he did not join the Jarvis hearing that started soon afterwards.
Judge John Thackray QC said: "It's very regrettable."
The Jarvis case had been "pencilled in" for sentence that day but Mr Wright's lack of availability because of the overrunning Manchester case had caused a problem.
"We are living in extraordinary times," said Judge Thackray.
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Jarvis was consulted in the dock about his views and said that he would prefer Mr Wright to give his mitigation in person, rather than over a video link.
Judge Thackray said that it was important in such a case of "sufficient complexity and seriousness" for Mr Wright to be there in person.
He was conscious of the upset that the delay might have on the families of Connor and Jarvis.
It is hoped that the case might be heard next Friday.
The prosecution claimed during the trial that Jarvis might have strangled Connor with a blue rope that was found in his garden, with the teenager's DNA on it.
They had been hunting for small animals around the River Hull the previous evening but CCTV showed Jarvis returning alone at 10.20pm, with Connor's dog.
Connor was found the next morning.
The prosecution claimed that "the defendant left the victim for dead".
The pair were said to have a "volatile and fractious" relationship and often "fought like cats and dogs" during disputes.
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Jarvis had previously assaulted Connor with an iron bar and people described him as a "bully", it was claimed.
Jarvis declined to give evidence to the jury in his defence.
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