The trial of former England rugby league star Gareth Hock has been adjourned. Mr Hock is accused of raping a woman and assaulting her on a number of occasions. He denies all the allegations. The alleged victim cannot be named for legal reasons. The former Wigan Warriors, Salford Red Devils and Leigh Centurions player is charged with ten offences including rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating, engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and perverting the course of justice. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case began at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on Tuesday, (July 15) but was adjourned until next year after the judge presiding over the case fell ill. Mr Hock, 39, is now scheduled to go on trial in May next year. A further pre-trial hearing is set to take place next month. Sign up to the MEN Court newsletter here Judge Maurice Greene told the jury who had been selected for the trial: “Unfortunately the judge who is trying the case is unwell, and he is not going to be back in time to complete the trial, I’m afraid, so it cannot continue. “Therefore I’m going to discharge you from any further involvement in this trial. There may well be other trials for you.” Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE Mr Hock, of Leigh, denies two counts of rape, five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of assault by beating, one count of controlling or coercive behaviour and one count of perverting the course of justice.