A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a pilot who failed to turn up for sentencing after admitting possession and cultivation of cannabis and abstraction of electricity.

Sidney Clark, 48, of Tonbridge Road, Barming, was arrested when police discovered a crop of cannabis at his home after a plane he had been piloting crashed at Farthing Common, near Lyminge, in February last year.

Clark last appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on January 23.

He was due back at Maidstone Crown Court today, but failed to show.

Now Judge McDonald has issued a warrant for Mr Clark’s arrest and postponed the hearing until further notice.

Anyone with information on Sidney Clark’s whereabouts is asked to contact Det Con Chris D’Ardenne on 01303 289355 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.