A WARRANT for the arrest of a county councillor has been issued after he failed to attend court to answer a gross indecency charge.

John Howard Eccles, 60, of Casterton Avenue, Burnley, did not turn up at Blackburn magistrates' court yesterday.

Eccles was charged with an attempt to commit an act of gross indecency with another man in public toilets at Spring Wood picnic area, Whalley, on July 7 last year.

The court heard that Eccles had a heart condition and his solicitor had sent a letter to the Crown Prosecution Service explaining that he would not be attending the hearing.

But magistrates issued a warrant backed with bail after hearing that Eccles' solicitor did not get in touch with the court.

The case was further adjourned until June 16. Mrs Elizabeth Read, prosecuting, said she had received a letter explaining Eccles' heart condition. She said: "It is now almost the first anniversary since the charge, and this case has been adjourned several times already for medical reasons."

She said the letter indicated that Eccles had an appointment on May 17 which did not take place, and his heart specialist had advised him that he should have stress tests and ultrasound imaging used to investigate heart disorders prior to surgery on June 8.

A letter from his doctor said Eccles would be able to attend court following the results of his tests on June 29.

Mrs Read added: "We require more information on what is wrong with Mr Eccles. This case just keeps being adjourned without any further information being provided to the court, and no appropriate medical evidence. How long will it be before he is fit to attend court or a trial? He has not even entered a plea, because we still haven't reached that stage."

Eccles represents Burnley rural area on Lancashire County Council. Coun Eccles was unavailable for comment.

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