Editor's Note: Lord Holmes was ultimately cleared of sexual assault. This article was published before that verdict was reached.

The 48-year-old, who is visually impaired, was on trial after being accused of sexually assaulting a masseuse at the end of a 90-minute session in a London hotel last year. 

Jurors at Southwark Crown Court have now dismissed the case a day after the trial began, with prosecutor Linda Strudwick unable to continue, as reported by BBC Sport. 

"I am afraid I have been told Ms Strudwick is unwell; she was unable to continue this case," said High Court judge Mr Justice Nicol.

"As a result of this, there is not somebody who can stand in at such short notice and I am afraid I have no option but to discharge you from dealing with this matter."

The director of public prosecutions of England and Wales is now set to decide if Lord Holmes will face a second trial.

Lord Holmes won six gold medals at the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona, before adding three more at Atlanta 1996.

In addition to his nine Paralympic gold medals, he broke 35 world records during his career in the pool.

He has held various roles in sport since his retirement, including director of Paralympic integration at London 2012.

Lord Holmes, who also claimed five Paralympic silvers and a bronze medal, was elevated to the House of Lords the following year.

The Briton had previously served as an ambassador for London's successful Olympic and Paralympic bid and was named deputy chairman of Channel 4, the Paralympic broadcaster in his home country, last year.

He denied the allegations against him at Southwark Crown Court last August.