Police hunt for man who has gone missing from jury trial

Police are hunting for a man facing drugs charges who has absconded from court.

Antonio Sabiu had denied being concerned in the supply of cocaine at Inverness Prison on 20th February 2012.

Sabiu was expected to be giving evidence to the jury on the fourth afternoon of the trial on Monday. However the Inverness trial collapsed when he failed to appear to give evidence following an adjournment for lunch.

But his solicitor Gerard Sweeney had to tell the court that he was not present when the sitting resumed after lunch.

Sheriff Margaret Neilson sent the jury home for the day and then place reporting restrictions on the case to see if Sabiu could be traced.

The case recalled today but Sabiu, from Fort William, was still not present and the contempt of court order was lifted by the sheriff.

Mr Sweeney told Inverness Sheriff Court he had still not been located and he was being treated as a missing person by police.

"It’s unfortunate when we are at this stage of the trial," said Mr Sweeney.

"I think that is an understatement Mr Sweeney," replied Sheriff Neilson.

Depute fiscal Roderick Urquhart said extensive inquiries had been undertaken by the police who had gone to various addresses and there was no trace of Sabiu.

"He has apparently gone to ground. As far as I am concerned he is not a missing person. He is an absconder and I seek a warrant for his arrest," he said.

The sheriff granted the warrant and the jury was recalled to be told what had happened.

The sheriff apologised to the jurors and advised them their involvement in the case was now at end.

However she said the situation was completely out of control of the court.

The fiscal said if Sabiu is traced he will automatically be re-indicted.