A BENCH warrant was issue for the arrest of a man who failed to turn up at court to be sentenced.

Shaun Chester was bailed by Newton Aycliffe magistrates on August 13 after committing his case to Durham Crown Court for sentence.

It followed his admissions to criminal damage and assault by beating, committed in Darlington, on July 30.

He also admitted possessing an offensive weapon, assaulting an emergency worker, a police officer, and possessing a bladed article, in Newton Aycliffe, on August 12.

But the 22-year-old defendant, of Clarence Corner, Newton Aycliffe, failed to appear.

His counsel, Harry Crowson, could offer no explanation over his absence and said he was aware of the date.

Recorder Nicholas Lumley, therefore, issued a bench warrant for his arrest.