A WARRANT was issued for the arrest of a homeless man accused of breaking into a Moreton-in-Marsh store and stealing more than £17,000 worth of clothes.

Christopher Thomas was due to attend Gloucester Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing in his case but did not show up.

His solicitor Joe Maloney said he had no explanation for his absence.

Thomas allegedly entered Henry's in Oxford Street, Moreton, as a trespasser on March 2 last year and stole £17,002.92 worth of clothing.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC issued a warrant, not backed for bail, for Thomas' arrest.