The former executive chairman of the now defunct JJB Sports chain will no longer face trial due to ill-health, a court was told today.

Ilkley businessman Sir David Jones, who has Parkinson's disease, went on trial at Leeds Crown Court earlier this year,accused of forging a bank statement to disguise the fact that he had borrowed large amounts of money, but this had to be abandoned due to his health problems.

He was due to go on trial again next year but a judge at the same court was told that the Attorney-General's office had stepped in to stop the proceedings.

Prosecutor Miranda Moore QC said the Attorney-General had made the decision after considering Sir David's medical position.

Judge Guy Kearl QC said he agreed with the decision.

He said: "This is not a course taken lightly by the Serious Fraud Office or the Attorney-General's office.

"I have read all the reports provided to me and it's clear to me that this is an appropriate course."

Sir David's son Stuart Jones, of Bingley, will still go on trial in March next year.

The case involves allegations about cash borrowed by Sir David from JJB founder Dave Whelan and from Mike Ashley, the billionaire owner of the Sports Direct chain and owner of Newcastle United football club.

Prosecutors said Sir David lied about both loans to the board of JJB Sports and, as a result, the company put out misleading statements at a time when it was trying to raise £100 million on the financial markets.

They say the businessman forged a bank statement with the help of his son, Stuart.

Sir David had denied two charges of making a misleading statement, contrary to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, and one of using a false instrument, contrary to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.

Stuart Jones, who denies one charge of aiding and abetting his father's use of a false instrument, will go on trial on March 9 next year at Leeds Crown Court.