AN arrest warrant has been issued for a man charged with blackmail.

Michael Thompson, of Murdoch Road, Bicester, was due to be in Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (June 13) for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The 36-year-old has been charged with one count of blackmail. It is alleged that between August 7 last year and May 5 this year, he was blackmailing a man by making an ‘unwarranted demand for money’.

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The defendant first appeared at the lower courts on May 15. His defence barrister said it was a ‘little of a surprise’ that he attended due to his presence last month.

She said contact had been attempted with Thompson and the B&B he resides in.

A warrant not back for bail has now been issued.