A man was arrested after failing to show up for a trial which ended up being dismissed by magistrates.

Adrian Gilroy, of Longley Road in Lowerhouses, had denied two charges of assault.

The 29-year-old was due to face trial on September 4.

On that date no evidence against him was offered and the case against him was discharged.

However, he failed to attend court and, as he was bailed to do so, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Yesterday Gilroy was in custody as he admitted that he did not surrender to court.

Ian Whiteley, mitigating, said: “He didn’t attend because he knew that the complainants in the case were not going to attend.

“He thought that the case would be thrown out of court and he didn’t need to be there.

“Magistrates took a different view and issued a warrant for his arrest.”

The bench decided to release Gilroy.

They felt that the time he spent in the cells overnight was punishment enough.