The sentencing of the Bainbridges was one of nearly a dozen cases affected by a burst water pipe at the Dunedin District Court yesterday.
When lawyers and defendants began arriving for the afternoon session at 2.15pm, staff turned them away, informing them the courthouse was closed until further notice.
Ministry of Justice regional manager Bruce Findlay said the burst pipe was close to the main switchboard so power was shut off as a safety precaution.
"Contractors are on site and they and staff are working hard so that court services can resume [today]," he said.
