A WARRANT issued by magistrates today (Tuesday, 13 May) orders a Thurrock businessman to attend court where he faces allegations of fraud.

Basildon magistrates heard Grays-based Ravindar Singh Dhillon, 43, has repeatedly avoided receiving a summons in relation to the allegations of fraud against two men, an uncle and nephew.

Requesting the warrant, Ms Ellie Boyd told the court: "The charges against Mr Dhillon are of a fraudulent nature and amount to a substantial amount of money.

"Mr Dhillon has been avoiding summons and the matter has been going on for some time, including attempts in February, March and May this year, served at his last known address.

"His wife told an officer serving the summons that she 'hadn't seen him in years', but independent witnesses have testified he has been living at the property.

"We have exhausted all possible options to serve the summons.

"When this case is heard, due to its severity, it will be at a Crown Court because of the nature and severity of the charges."

Chair of the bench, Lynette Brown, said: "We are satisfied that all attempts have been made to serve the summons so we will issue a warrant to ensure he attends court."

The warrant means Mr Dhillon has to report to a police station or he could face arrest.

Mr Dhillon has been associated with a myriad of local businesses in the past, but is currently listed at Companies House as having no directorships or acting as a company officer.