A MAN facing a spell in prison for a serious drug offence has failed to appear at court for sentence.

Ronald Stephenson, 44, was told to “put his affairs in order” and prepare for a prison sentence after he admitted having heroin ready for street sale when police visited his home in Welfare Close, Easington Colliery, on February 9, last year.

Durham Crown Court was told that officers recovered 22 bagged heroin deals, containing 4.94g of the class A drug.

Stephenson admitted possessing the drugs with intent to supply, at the plea hearing last month.

The case was adjourned for preparation of a background report on Stephenson, by the Probation Service, due to his previous lack of drug offending, and he was granted bail.

But, when he failed to appear at court for the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Chris Baker asked for a bench warrant to be issued.

Judge Christopher Prince agreed and issued the warrant, which is not backed with bail, meaning Stephenson will be held in custody upon his arrest.