A JUDGE has issued a warrant for the arrest of a Chippenham man who claimed he couldn't make his trial as he was undergoing heart surgery - because police could not find him in hospital.

James Harding had told his solicitors that he was undergoing an operation at the John Radcliffe in Oxford, so could not attend Swindon Crown Court on Friday.

But when police checked at the cardiac unit they found no-one by his name, or with his date of birth, had been admitted. They also drew a blank when they checked for the 26-year-old at other hospitals in the city, a judge was told.

Matthew Scott, prosecuting, said "They checked under a variety of names: his own name, middle name, other names and his date of birth."

The court heard that Harding's mum had also been involved in passing information about the surgery to two sets of solicitors.

Judge Tim Mousley QC said "The police are aware of that are they? Well the prosecution certainly are now."

He issued a warrant without bail for the arrest of Harding to bring him before the court.

The defendant is said to have been behind the wheel of a Citroen C2 which was driven dangerously on Bath Road, Chippenham, on December 12.

Harding, of Roman Way, also denies driving without a licence and without insurance.