defer trial date

[Farmerpalmer]

i cannot go into details, but i am interested in what the law states about this. A person is charged with an offence, pleads not guilty, and a trial date is set, witnessess called etc.
Now what if the defendant, at the last minute gets a sick note, or similar, and the trial is delayed until futher notice.
How long can this go on for? as in theory anyone could keep on getting sick notes from their understanding GP, and they never go to trial.
What legitimate reasons could a trial be delayed once a date is set?

What, if anything would the CPS do about this, as clearly there is alot to organise for a trial.

[Jasandjules]

Various answers. One of which is http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2002/1040....

[Farmerpalmer]

so in summary, a trial should take place in a reasonable time scale, ......whatever that is.
so things could still drag on for many more months.

[Jasandjules]

It is possible.