Khan risks arrest after failing to attend court

Amir Khan was warned today he faces being arrested if he does not attend a court hearing next week.

Neither the world lightweight title hopeful nor his legal team appeared at Rochdale Magistrates Court this morning for pre-trial review on a charge of speeding.

Khan, 20, whose address was listed as In A Rush, Garsdale Lane, Bolton, is accused of driving at 140mph on the M62 motorway, near Rochdale, last New Year’s Eve.

A trial date was expected to be fixed today but the case had to be put back a week because of the absence of Khan and his solicitor, Barry Warburton.

Khan, who is understood to deny the allegation, was warned at the last hearing in Rochdale that he needed to attend today’s hearing.

District Judge Tim Devas said: “The matter will proceed to a conclusion one way or the other next week.

“If he (Khan) does not attend, a warrant for his arrest could be issued.”

He also told court clerks: “Can Mr Warburton write to me personally to explain the discourtesy of neither his client or himself attending? And depending on the explanation I may refer this matter to the Law Society.”

The reigning Commonwealth lightweight champion was allegedly clocked by manned equipment speeding at twice the legal limit in his BMW 360i convertible.

He is also charged with failing to produce a driving licence or insurance certificate.

Earlier this week, Khan was banned from driving for six months and fined £100 at Bolton Crown Court after speeding through a red light in the wrong lane.

His careless driving led to him knocking down a pedestrian on a pelican crossing, breaking the man’s leg.

Judge Devas adjourned the speeding matter until Friday, November 2.

He said the case could be proved in Khan’s absence next week and he could face a driving disqualification if convicted.