My understanding is that the CAA issued a notice prohibiting the aircraft from flight (until presumably signed off by an engineer) under their powers contained in paragraph 232 (2) of the ANO. The prosecutor was not experienced in aviation matters/law doubtless giving rise to the dramatic comments, the defendant represented himself.
The case originally came before the magistrates who considered that their powers were inadequate (maximum fine £5,000) The case was committed to the Crown Court for sentence where the maximum is an unlimited fine or 2 years imprisonment