Leagal jargon and lots of questions?

two people in court on charges they are both pleading not guilty..(they are). The trial begins and a jury is sworn in, victim 1 gives his account and is ripped to bits by a lawyer, the same happens to victim 2. then a witness for them is called he gives his evidence and is only questioned by the prosecutor. After his evidence is given the judge asks for the court to be cleared, the witness is waiting to be questioned by the lawyers but is told he can go home because the accused have pleaded guilty, and have be bailed to go back at a later date(one of the accused was refused bail several times before the hearing). but is allowed bail this time. What has gone on here, and what does it all mean? all this happened 3 days into the trial. also would the judge been aware of the accuseds criminal record? (he has loads of previous). Could someone please help because on one is really telling them anything could they get off its 2 serious assults on one accused and 1 on the other we are uk based