Judges in Amsterdam have delayed the trial of a man accused of blackmailing dozens of girls after making sex videos of them after they were unable to find him a replacement lawyer.

Aydin C on Friday asked the court for a delay because his lawyer had walked out on him, saying he had not had enough time to get to grips with the case.

Judges refused to do so, saying C would be supported by a court appointed lawyer, but will not have a defence based on the evidence.

However, Dutch media said on Monday that the case has now been delayed until the autumn because no lawyer will take on C’s defence in such circumstances.

C has been remanded in custody for two years on suspicion of abusing up to 40 girls online. One of C’s victims is said to be Canadian girl Amanda Todd who killed herself in October 2012 after a film featuring her was circulated on YouTube.

C is not on trial in connection with the Amanda Todd case, which Canada wants to prosecute itself.