WICK SHERIFF COURT: Warrant out for arrest of man who failed to appear for his own drugs cash claim

A sheriff has ordered the arrest of an Archiestown man who is seeking the return of cash seized by the police along with drugs.

Sheriff Ian Miller took the action after Raymond Daulby failed to appear at Wick Sheriff Court on Tuesday for the third time.

Although it was Daulby who raised an action to recover £3219, he has failed to provide evidence that the cash was legitimately earned from his work as a motor mechanic – or appear in court.

Daulby (49) was stopped by police near his then home in Park Avenue, Thurso, on December 14, 2019. Officers recovered 18g of heroin and the cash. Daulby admitted possession of the drug but denied dealing in it.

He was found guilty after a trial and jailed for a year. The accused was living with his brother in Crosby, Liverpool, at the time.

Daulby has since done little to submit evidence to prove to the Crown's Proceeds of Crime Unit that the drugs cash didn't come from criminal activity.

The court has experienced difficulties in getting in touch with him and last month his solicitor, Josey Donnachie, informed the sheriff that she had ceased to represent the accused as he had not co-operated in the preparation of his case.

However, despite being unrepresented, the court was told today that Daulby had contacted Miss Donnachie recently to say that he was not coming to court as he had injured himself at work.

Fiscal Sue Foard suggested that a warrant to apprehend Daulby should be considered on the basis of his failure to attend court.

Sheriff Miller agreed and said he had "no hesitation" in granting the warrant, commenting that Daulby was well aware he must attend court.