A “very unwell” man has been warned of arrest if he fails to attend court for a third time.
Italian-born Antonio Ciriello, 86, was due to appear before magistrates in Swindon today (9 March).
The defendant, who is accused of breaching a restraining order imposed to protect his neighbours on eight occasions, failed to turn up for a hearing listed for 11am this morning.
The case was previously adjourned due to illness.
Clare Gooding, defending, said her elderly client, of Ashwood Road, Rudloe, is “very unwell” and explained that he has a heart condition and osteoarthritis.
She told the bench that Ciriello is in a “very difficult position” – adding that he was unable to get to court due to a ‘falling out’ with family members who would usually provide transport.
Ms Gooding asked the justices not to issue a warrant for his arrest because “the police would not thank the court”, adding that Ciriello is a “complete nightmare to accommodate in custody” due to his poor health.
The case was adjourned until 23 March. The magistrates warned that an arrest warrant will be issued if he does not attend.
