AN arrest warrant has been issued for a Stroud man who failed to turn up in court to face four charges of shoplifting.

Fox Johnston, aged 40, of Target Close, Stroud, failed to attend a hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Monday, July 31.

Johnston is charged with stealing from Boots, the Co-op and Waitrose in Stroud in January and February this year.

On January 17, he is alleged to have stolen cosmetic items worth £25 from Boots while on February 1 he allegedly stole meat products worth £64 from the Co-op in Slad Road.

He is also charged with stealing meat products, cheese, and ice-cream worth £162 from the Co-op on February 12 and alcohol and meat products worth £73 from Waitrose on London Road on February 22.