A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of a 33-year-old man who failed to show for his trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

James Harding, formerly of Selkirk and now living in Lowestoft, is accused of two fraud offences and a theft.

He is alleged to have pretended to the owner of Armstrong's Garage in Mansfield Road, Hawick, that he had permission to have four tyres, other parts and labour costs invoiced to the account of Hoscote Estate and obtained goods and services by fraud on August 1.

He is also charged with the theft of a fridge, cement mixer, two firearms cabinets and an extension hose from Hoscote Estate near Hawick, on September 29.

Harding is facing a third charge of obtaining goods to the value of £107 by fraud at a shop in Sandbed, Hawick, on December 24, using a cheque he knew would not be honoured.

His lawyer Sophie Russell explained that due to work commitments and covering people who were on holiday and off sick at an abattoir where he works he was unable to take time off.

But procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said it was the second time Harding had used that excuse for not appearing in court.

He added: "He is playing the system far too enthusiastically."