O.J. Simpson's robbery trial delayed until September

A judge agreed to delay O.J. Simpson's trial on armed robbery and kidnapping charges until September, defence lawyers said Friday in Las Vegas.

District Court Judge Jackie Glass agreed during a pre-hearing meeting to give them more time to prepare for trial, said Yale Galanter, attorney for Simpson, and John Moran Jr., attorney for co-defendant Charles Ehrlich.

The judge agreed to start the trial Sept. 8, lawyers said.

But she refused to throw out kidnapping and robbery charges against Simpson, Ehrlich and co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart. At a hearing, she heard arguments about whether Ehrlich and Stewart should be tried separately, but had not yet ruled.

Simpson did not appear for the hearing, although Ehrlich and Stewart were in attendance. Both declined comment while defence lawyers and prosecutors met with the judge.

Simpson, Ehrlich and Stewart are accused of kidnapping and robbing two sports collectibles dealers peddling Simpson memorabilia at a Las Vegas hotel-casino in September.

They have pleaded not guilty to all charges, including kidnapping, armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Convictions could bring life prison sentences with the possibility of parole.