A WARRANT was issued for the arrest of a Cricklade brawler after he was a no-show at court.

Shane Allen, 31, had been due to be sentenced for threatening behaviour and possession of a baseball bat. 

It was said that he threatened unlawful violence against five people in Cricklade on August 10, 2019, and was in possession of the baseball bat in Fullers Avenue on the same date.

Last month, Allen, of Cherry Tree Road, Cricklade, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of threatening behaviour. He also admitted possession of the offensive weapon.

Allen’s barrister, David Lee, told Swindon Crown Court on Friday morning that the defendant was told by his solicitors to be at court by 9.15am. He had not answered repeated calls from the lawyer that morning.

Mr Lee said: “It is a very disappointing situation but one has to be realistic.” 

Judge Jason Taylor QC issued the warrant. not backed for bail and returnable to the crown court.