A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Powys man convicted of assaulting a police officer and brandishing an axe after he failed to appear before a judge.
Stephen Hill had been due to attend Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court for a sentencing hearing on Thursday, March 28, but the 62-year-old of Hillcrest Rise, Llandrindod Wells, was a no-show.
He was due to be sentenced after pleading guilty in February for assaulting Police Constable Horlock at his home address, as well as possessing an axe on August 14, 2022.
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Hill's barrister told the judge that he had been having transport issues with his bus pass getting from the Radnorshire town to Merthyr Tydfil for the 10.45am court hearing.
"Mr Hill has unfortunately attempted to get the bus on two occasions, and it’s failed again," she said. "A warrant is the only option."
His Honour Judge Christopher Vosper KC issued an arrest warrant not backed for bail, which means, if arrested by the police, Hill will be brought to court.
"We’ve got to get him here," he said. "I’m sure some transport will be found for him by the police or prison service."
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