The long awaited trial of five directors of Curnow Shipping charged with conspiracy to defraud has been postponed until January 19 because the trial judge is on leave.

Andrew Bell and Simon Sugrue co-founders of Curnow Shipping have been charged along with fellow directors David Brock, Jonathan Challacombe and Christopher Gardiner.

Charges were brought by the Serious Fraud Office following a16-month investigation.