FOR the first time in almost five weeks of the trial, Mr Reynolds was not in court when it sat yesterday morning.
After consulting counsel, Mr Justice French said Mr Reynolds had a minor accident and had to see a doctor. In the light of the other delays so far, all sides were agreed to go ahead without him.
It later emerged that Mr Reynolds had fallen on the stairs of the apartment where he and his family are staying during the trial.
He arrived in court at 12.45 p.m., looking shaken and strained and nursing one arm. He told reporters he had not been seriously hurt - "nothing broken" - and that he was taking painkillers.
He also said he still hoped to leave for New York today, where he has been invited as guest of honour at a Fianna Fail function.