A WARRANT was issued for the arrest of an Otterburn man after he failed to turn up in court.

James Anderton (34) of Brierly Gardens, is accused of one count of assault relating to an incident on March 4 in Otterburn.

Anderton was due to appear at South East Northumberland Magistrates Court on August 3, but failed to do so. The court issued a warrant for his arrest.

Police have since taken Anderton into custody. He appeared at court on August 7, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He was released on bail and will face trial on November 27.