An arrest warrant has been issued after a Newtown man accused of racially harassing a police officer missed his court date.

Andrew Jarman, 43, allegedly used threatening, abusive or insulting words towards Police Constable Njabulo Garratt in Newtown on September 30 last year.

Jarman, of Lon Eithin, Newtown, was due to appear at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, February 14).

But he failed to appear for the plea hearing and magistrates chair Dr Rachel Jones issued a warrant for his arrest.

Robert Hanratty, defending, told the court that Jarman is currently in a “bit of a sad situation” with no fixed abode.