A judge has ordered the arrest of a witness who refused to give evidence at a trial.

Chris Opio, 20, was said to be the victim of a knife attack at flats in Brighton in August last year.

He was due to give evidence at the trial of his alleged attackers at Hove Crown Court yesterday. (wed) Police were sent to a house in Clayton Road, Brighton, where the court heard Opio lives with his mother.

Officers were told he had gone out for the day with his girlfriend and could not be contacted.

Nicholas Hall, prosecuting, said Opio had been told he would have to give evidence but had repeatedly said he would not do so.

Mr Hall offered no evidence on charges of affray against Tina Cameron, 44, of Ditchling Rise, Brighton, and Christopher Montgomery, 31, of Marine Parade, Brighton.

Judge Anthony Niblett ordered that formal not guilty verdicts should be recorded on this charge.

Mongtomery pleaded guilty to threatening and chasing Gwenda Mobsby, a witness in the case, on March 3, this year.

The court heard that at the time he was being treated for mental health problems.

Montgomery was banned from entering Brighton, contacting Ms Mobsby or going to Clayton Road, Brighton, until he is sentenced on September 25.

Judge Niblett issued a warrant without bail for the immediate arrest of Opio saying: “He has shown the most blatant contempt of court.”