Thurso man accused of assault and robbery fails to show up for trial at Wick court

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Thurso man after he failed to appear for a jury trial at Wick Sheriff Court on an assault and robbery charge.

Forty-three-year-old John Smith previously pleaded not guilty to repeatedly kicking a woman, burning her on the neck with a cigarette and threatening to set her on fire, and repeatedly pushing her to the ground.

Smith, of Lord Thurso Court, also denies robbing her of her mobile phone and a bank card. The alleged attack is said to have taken place at a park off Provost Cormack Drive, Thurso, on July 11, 2023.

The trial was due to have taken place this week but it was aborted after Smith failed to appear when the indictment was called on Tuesday.

After his solicitor Fiona MacDonald had no explanation for his no-show, Sheriff Neil Wilson granted the warrant.