Thanks for the feedback.
I checked the letter last night and sure enough it said the balance had to be discharged before the hearing.
Bf should have sorted it out. I do feel that solicitor should have rang him to let him know last week when he had received the balance, its a poor way to do business.
The 1000 paid was supposed to be for barrister, however solicitor said yesterday only he got paid, so as barrister hadnt been paid barrister wouldnt go. But solicitor was paid his amount (minus the vat) so surely he should have shown up (although i dont know what use he would have been).
Anyway, when bf rang them yesterday morning when they didnt show up, my dad, who was with him, said he'd give them a cheque for the balance - he still said no.
Anyway I'm making contact with my cousin who is a barrister to get her take on the case and hopefully she'll be able to recommend someone to take over defending him.