Prosecution blow

Prosecutor John Agius, the Sydney silk leading the case against Lloyd Rayney, may not return to the court before the trial ends.

Mr Agius, who has battled illness in recent days, was absent yesterday and his junior, Darren Renton, said he did not know if Mr Agius would return before the State's case closed.

Time is of the essence because the Rayneys' daughter Caitlyn is due to fly to Britain next week to attend Cambridge University. Caitlyn and her younger sister, Sarah, are both to testify.

Prosecutors hope to wrap up their case next week. Other witnesses to come include two forensic pathologists and the detective in charge of the investigation.