12:10pm Wednesday 6th May 2009
By Staff Reporter
MAGISTRATES have issued a warrant for the arrest of rebel pub landlord Nick Hogan after he failed to attend court yesterday.
Mr Hogan, who is the UK Independence Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Chorley, was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £7,121 costs after being found guilty of failing to prevent people from smoking in the Bolton pubs he then ran — The Swan and Barristers in Bradshawgate.
He then appealed against the conviction at Bolton Crown Court, but lost and a further £1,000 was added to his costs.
Bolton Council has now taken him to court over his failure to pay the fine and costs and a trial was due to be heard last week at Bolton Magistrates Court.
But Mr Hogan, aged 40, who now lives in Chorley, did not appear, saying he was ill and the case was adjourned until yesterday.
When the case resumed magistrates where told that Mr Hogan had contacted the court by telephone and stated that he could not attend because he was in London on UKIP business.
Chairman of the bench Malcolm Bristow JP stated that Mr Hogan should realise the importance of attending court when required.
He issued a warrant for 40-year-old Mr Hogan’s arrest.
“It does appear Mr Hogan has left us no alternative,” he said.
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