THREE warrants were issued after defendants failed to attend their court hearings.

A number of cases could not go ahead at Worcester Magistrates court on Thursday due to non-attendances of defendants.

Many cases could not go ahead due to defendants calling in to say they were self -isolating on their doctors advice amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The following were issued with a warrant for arrest as they did not contact the court to inform them that they were not attending, and did not give a reason for non- attendance.

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Gheorghe Arsenal, 42 of Lowesmoor, Worcester failed to attend the court to face charges of driving while over the limit and driving without third part insurance.

Prosecuting, Ralph Robyns-Landricombe said a warrant without bail would be issued: “He did not let the court know why he did not attend. You would let the court know if you had coronavirus.”

“We have sent warrants for those who aren’t here but adjournments for those who did let them no.”

Mark Batty, 43, of Fox Lane, Bromsgrove was due in court for driving while a proportion of a specific drug was in his system over, possession of heroin and possession of crack cocaine.

Anthony Soden, 42 of Chelmarsh, Stirchley,Telford also failed to attend for a drink driving charge.

During the current phase of the coronavirus outbreak, the business of our courts and tribunals continues.

Any changes to individual hearings will be communicated directly to those affected in the usual way, usually by email and/or phone.