MAGISTRATES in County Durham are launching a crackdown on people who do not turn up at court.
More than 1,000 warrants have been issued for the arrests of defendants who have not turned up to the courts at Durham, Chester-le-Street, Consett, and Easington.
Head of court administration Brinley Jones said defendants who know there are warrants out against them should contact police so they can arrange to appear in court.
The cases range from criminal offences to ignoring court orders, not paying fines, costs, compensation, or council tax.
The courts also have 1,000 distress warrants which will allow bailiffs to seize goods from people who have not paid money they owe in fines, costs and compensation.Mr Jones urged people to pay up to bailiffs at the surgeries held on Fridays at the courts
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