A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 22-year old responsible for three stabbing attacks on the same night in Norwich, who failed to appear in court claiming he had coronavirus.

Paul Leeming had been charged with three counts of wounding with intent following attacks which happened on Prince of Wales Road on August 11 2021.

Prince of Wales Road, NorwichPrince of Wales Road, Norwich (Image: Newsquest) Leeming, of Arnold Miller Road, Norwich, has previously admitted one count of wounding with intent and two lesser charges of wounding.

Leeming was due to be sentenced on Tuesday (October 1) at Norwich Crown Court but did not appear.

Norwich Crown CourtNorwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Matthew McNiff, who represents Leeming, said he had exchanged mobile phone messages with the defendant who sent him a picture of a "positive Covid test".

Mr McNiiff said Leeming was currently with "friends of family outside the country in a neighbouring county".

Jane Oldfield, prosecuting, said it was "the second time he's failed to attend court claiming he's had Covid".

She asked that a warrant be issued for the arrest of Leeming, who is also to be sentenced in relation to six counts of supplying class A drugs in 2020.

Judge Andrew Shaw issued a warrant for his arrest.