A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of celebrity chef Marco Pierre White’s son after he failed to appear before Swindon Magistrates’ Court to answer assault, theft and drugs charges.

Marco Pierre White Jnr, 24, of Rudloe Hall Hotel, Corsham, had been due before JPs charged with possession of 204 oxycodone tablets, common assault, assault by beating and making off without paying for a pub meal and a taxi fare.

The assaults were said to have taken place at Rudloe Hall Hotel, owned by his father. He was accused of leaving Northey Arms, Box, without paying for £34.60-worth of food and drink in January 25. Two months later, it was said he made off without paying for a £30 taxi fare at his father’s hotel.

However, the chef’s son failed to appear in the dock and Dr David Whetam, chairman of the Swindon bench, ordered a warrant for Pierre-White’s arrest without bail.