Patience has run out for a thief who failed to show for court for the seventh time by claiming to have Covid.
Carl Minto had repeatedly used the excuse that he had the virus, was awaiting a test or was showing symptoms in order to avoid sentence for two shop thefts.
But the 28-year-old was treading on thin ice when he was once again due in the dock but maintained he had a cough and had booked a PCR test, making it seven times he'd used the virus to avoid justice.
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During a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, even his own solicitor, Ruth Foster, said: "He either donates himself to a medical study for having continuous Covid or the court will finally have enough".
And Mrs Foster was right as magistrates issued a warrant for Minto's arrest.
The court heard that the thief, of Collingwood Street, in Hebburn, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of shop theft, one from January this year when he stole £25-worth of wine and yogurt from J + H Local Store, in Sunderland, and one from May 30 when he stole a hoover, worth £279, from Asda.
The case was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report with a view to Minto being given a community order but he repeatedly failed to show for subsequent court hearings, each time blaming Covid.
Niamh Reading, prosecuting, said: "This is the seventh hearing for one of the thefts and the fifth for the other, the excuse for not showing has been Covid every time.
"So, I would apply for a warrant."
Mrs Foster added: "Apparently Mr Minto turned up coughing at our office this morning and said he was off for a PCR test.
"However, there have been warnings from the court before.
"I think he either donates himself for a medical study for having continuous Covid or the court will finally have enough."
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