A TEENAGE defendant who left court prior to a scheduled hearing has been re-arrested but is said to be in hospital.

Tyler Ophield failed to appear for a case at Durham Crown Court, on Monday, having left the building ahead of the hearing starting following a discussion with a representing lawyer.

The 19-year-old defendant, of Glebe Avenue, Easington Colliery, was due to appear at the plea hearing on charges including burglary of an elderly woman’s home, robbery at a convenience store, criminal damage, plus aggravated vehicle taking.

Judge Ray Singh issued a warrant for the arrest of Ophield, of Glebe Avenue, Easington Colliery, but agreed to back it with bail.

Read more: Judge issues warrant for arrest of missing teenage County Durham defendant

The case was called back on at the court on Thursday, when Judge Singh said he was notified by email from Ophield’s instructing solicitors that he had been arrested by police but is now in hospital, although it was not known for what medical issue.

Judge Singh said: “The situation seems to be that he’s been arrested for a new offence that he is alleged to have committed.

“So, I’m going to issue a warrant for his immediate arrest on his release from hospital and he can be brought back before me.

“It’s a warrant not backed for bail, but it means he will then be back in the system.”

Upon his release from hospital, Ophield will be produced at court for the re-scheduled plea hearing.

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