A man who said there was ‘no way in hell’ he would miss his court date has a warrant out for his arrest after he missed his court date.

Martin Bradford, 46, failed to turn up at Swindon Magistrates Court on May 9.

He pleaded guilty on April 25 to stealing £288.88 of food and drink from Co-op stores between March 29 and April 23, 2024.

He was released on conditional bail until his sentencing on May 9 - the condition being to not enter the Co-ops at East Whichelstowe and Old Town, Swindon.

He stole from these shops six times, the most expensive theft being worth £90 on April 20 from East Wichelstowe.

The day before he stole just £3.60 of goods from the same shop.

When asked by the magistrate if he would attend his court date, Mr Bradford said: “No chance, no way in hell [I will miss the date]. Thank you, sir.”

However, on May 9 a warrant was issued for Mr Bradford’s arrest, the reason being ‘no appearance in answer to bail’ according to court records.

He was later remanded on conditional bail again on May 11, before failing to appear in court again on May 13. Another warrant for his arrest was issued.

On May 9 a closure order was granted for Mr Bradford’s address on Offerton Road, East Wichelstowe, Swindon.

This forbids anyone other than Mr Bradford and certain authorities from entering the house for three months.

At the court appearance on April 25 when Mr Bradford made his promise to turn up, Mr Ballinger, prosecuting, explained that Mr Bradford has six previous convictions

He was last in court for another case of shoplifting from Co-op.

Mr Hotson, defending, said the defendant had been drinking since he was 12 years old. He said: ‘He recognises that his health is suffering because of that’.

Mr Bradford could not stand at one point. He said: “I am shaking that’s all. I am shaking because of the drinking.”

Mr Bradford’s latest court appearance was set for May 14, the result of which has not yet been released.