A man accused of wounding another in 2021 ‘may be in Portugal’, a court heard.

Ermelindo Borges, who celebrated his 43rd birthday this weekend, was due before Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday (April 11) to stand trial for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

However, the defendant was notable by his absence from the dock in courtroom four on the first working day after the Easter break.

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Prosecutor Peter Pride told the Recorder of Oxford Judge Ian Pringle KC that a warrant for the defendant’s arrest was issued last month.

Borges, of Green Road, Oxford, remains at large, with police checks made in January revealing he had flown to his native Lisbon. 

Judge Pringle adjourned the case until May 19, when the matter will be listed for a mention hearing.