An alleged burglar must turn up at court this morning – or face arrest.

Michael McDonagh, 22, was due before Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday to answer allegations of conspiracy to commit burglary and theft and possession of ‘wads’ of dirty cash.

His lawyer, Julian Lynch, said his client, had a stomach bug and wasn’t able to attend court.

Judge Michael Gledhill QC told the barrister: “If he’s not here by 12 o’clock and there’s no medical evidence to support his claim he has an iffy tummy I’ll issue a warrant.”

After midday, the judge issued a warrant backed for bail, meaning that McDonagh, of Doris Armour Walk, Coventry, would not be arrested by the police if he turns up at court by 10am this morning.

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