Arrest warrant for Bonnybridge bail breaker who claimed to have COVID-19

A sheriff took an offender’s excuse with a pinch of salt when he claimed he could not attend court because he had contracted coronavirus.
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Hayden Black (26) had already pleaded guilty to an assault he committed at the Warehouse nightclub, Burnbank Road, Falkirk on November 17, 2018. The offence saw him punch a man repeatedly and cause him to fall to the ground.

Defence solicitor Simon Hutchison said Black, 47 Norwood Avenue, Bonnybridge, could not attend Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday because he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was now self isolating.

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Mr Hutchison said even if Black had turned up to court he would have been turned away due to his current health situation.

Black failed to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court claiming he had contracted coronavirus and was self isolatingBlack failed to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court claiming he had contracted coronavirus and was self isolating
Black failed to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court claiming he had contracted coronavirus and was self isolating

However, Sheriff Derek Livingston said: “He has a history of breaching court orders.

"If he had been here today I would probably have remanded him for the report to be taken.”

A warrant for Black’s arrest was issued.

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