A MAN from Whitefield who failed to appear before Rochdale magistrates for sentencing for an assault has been given a warning to attend the probation service.

Terry Robin Owen, aged 25, of Victoria Avenue, had been subject to a pre-sentence report over an assault of Tara Wood at Rochdale in May. It was to be his fifth appearance before the bench.

But Owen did not appear and the magistrates were told he was suffering from depression. It was hoped to submit a medical note.

The magistrates adjourned the case until September 14 but issued a warning that Owen should attend at the probation service or they would take a "very dim view" in deciding his sentence.