Did the judge actually buy that? I doubt it - the trial was probably delayed for other reasons, such as not having her jail time in the middle of this trial.

Anna Nicole Smith tried some similar excuse at a trial in Houston and the judge not only DID NOT buy it, the judge sent the bailiff out to drag her into court, in handcuffs if needs be, but to court no matter what. I can't find a reference now but I think Anna was brought in by the bailiff in a big bathrobe and no makeup.