AN alleged drug offender, wanted on warrant after failing to attend a court appearance, has been remanded in custody.

Mark John McGurk was due to appear at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, charged with possession of heroin with intent to supply and mere possession of the class A drug.

He was also accused of being in possession of three class C drugs, alprazolam, diazepam and the anabolic steroid, oxymetholone, all arising from a stop and search arrest in Weardale Drive, Bishop Auckland, on January 1, 2018.

But, after he failed to appear for the hearing, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

The 38-year-old defendant, of Gudmunsen Avenue, Bishop Auckland, arrived under his own steam later in the day, however, and was remanded in custody by Judge Christopher Prince.

The plea hearing in the case will now take place at the court, on Friday.