MAGISTRATES have issued an arrest warrant after a Winchester thief failed to attend court.

David Rolfe, 42, of Peninsula Road, West Hill, was due to be sentenced yesterday (Thursday December 28) at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

He had admitted stealing clothing valued at £159.98 from TK Maxx in the Brooks Centre in Winchester on October 29, a court heard. He had pleaded guilty to the charge on November 1.

Rolfe also has a new offence of failing to attend court on December 28 having been released on bail by the magistrates in Basingstoke on November 23.