A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 22-year-old Warminster man who stole animals, including three ducks from a community farm for disadvantaged children.

Richard Andrew, 22, of The Dene, Warminster, was due to appear at Chippenham Magistrates’ Court on Monday for sentencing but phoned the court to say he was ill.

Head Magistrate Lady Sarah Gooch issued a warrant for his arrest.

Andrews has already admitted the theft of the ducks from Larkrise Community Farm in West Ashton Road, Trowbridge, on April 6 as well as a new-born lamb from Farnicombe Farm in Upton Scudamore, on March 28, which was later dumped on the doorstep of a house in Pound Street, Warminster, 12 days later.

The ducks, which were on special medication, were later found at Andrew’s home and were returned to the community farm, but the lamb later died.