A JUDGE has issued a warrant for the arrest of a motorist who failed to turn up to court to be sentenced.

At Bolton Crown Court Ryan Walkden, aged 28, of Blackbank Street, Astley Bridge, was due to be sentenced for dangerous driving following a crash in Darwen Road, Bromley Cross.

In October last year, Walkden, driving an MG car, swerved through traffic and jumped a red light before crashing into railings near the war memorial.

Video footage captured by a passing motorcyclist’s helmet camera and posted on YouTube showed Walkden, with a young boy in his arms, fleeing the scene.

Walkden had hit several other vehicles in both Bolton and Lancashire during his journey.

He was injured in the crash and subsequently spent time in hospital.

After he failed to surrender to court to be sentenced on Friday, Judge Elliot Knopf issued a warrant for his arrest.