Absent defendant who claimed to be in coma seen in Tesco

Absent defendant who claimed to be in coma seen in Tesco

A businessman accused of being in an induced coma has failed to appear in court despite claims from his family, raising doubts about his whereabouts. Peter Etherington, 68, hailing from Belle Vue, Ilkley, was expected to attend Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Friday. However, he did not show up after an email purportedly from his daughter stated that he was hospitalized.

Etherington faces allegations connected to his involvement with PP Global Media Ltd during a time when he was legally prohibited from acting as a company director. This charge, brought forward by the Insolvency Service, covers activities between April 2019 and October 2022. Prosecutor Mrs. Clegg indicated that the defendant’s absence was anticipated, noting past communications and inconsistencies regarding his health status.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mrs. Clegg outlined that the court was informed on December 15 via email about Etherington’s health condition, which was described as being in an induced coma. “We asked for medical evidence, but no evidence has been provided,” she explained. Despite these claims, investigations found no confirmation that he was admitted to local hospitals such as St James or Leeds General Infirmary. Additionally, signs suggest Etherington had been active recently, including signing documents and posting updates on social media in late December, as well as being spotted shopping in Tesco.

This case had been scheduled previously on October 24, when Etherington cited upcoming surgery as his reason for absence. Mrs. Clegg remarked that while the evidence provided then was questionable, the service had initially decided to offer him the benefit of the doubt. After uncovering no hospital records and the contradictory evidence, magistrates found no proof supporting the medical claims and subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest. The seriousness of the charge could result in imprisonment if Etherington is found guilty

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