The trial of Julie Corkill, wife of former chief minister Richard Corkill, could face a major delay while one of the chief prosecution witnesses recovers from a heart attack.

Contractor Will Kelly, of GC Construction, fell ill after giving almost six hours of evidence at Douglas Courthouse yesterday.

This morning, High Bailiff Michael Moyle said Mr Kelly’s evidence was crucial and so adjourned the case until a medical assessment can be given to the court tomorrow.

Mrs Corkill denies four counts of false accounting and two of obtaining a total of ?90,000 by deception from the Department of Tourism and Leisure.

The sixth day of the trial began 15 minutes late, after the advocates met the High Bailiff to discuss the situation.

When the hearing resumed, Mr Moyle explained Mr Kelly had been complaining of heartburn yesterday and had been red-faced, drinking lots of water during his evidence.

After he went home, he collapsed and was taken to hospital where he was taken into the Intensive Therapy Unit where a significant heart attack was diagnosed.

He was due to see a specialist today, and Mr Moyle said it wasn’t clear when Mr Kelly could give the rest of his evidence as it could take weeks or months for him to recover.

The trial will resume tomorrow morning when medical advice can be heard.