Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man accused of three counts of charity fraud and one drug offence, who failed to show up for his trial.

Alek Sire, of the former Black Hart pub, Main Road, Thorney Toll, was due to stand trial yesterday at Cambridge Crown Court but failed to show up.

A police spokesman said a warrant has been issued for his arrest and that he may be using other names. He has previously been known as Sir Alek Gregory Sire and Sir Raphael Merlotte.

Sire is alleged to have committed three counts of fraud by false representation against Fenland District Council between August 9 and October 4 last year.

Sire started up The Rose Project, a limited company registered with Companies House.

He is accused of falsely claiming the Rose Project was a registered charity occupying 108 Norfolk Road, Wisbech, 3-4 Oldfield Lane, Wisbech, and The Black Hart, Thorney Toll.

He is also alleged to have falsely claimed he had a PHD and other qualifications to help with his application.

He is also charged with possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

The drugs charge alleges that during a search of his house on October 4, 44.5g of cannabis, with a street value of £445, was found in a plastic container in a bedroom cabinet.

When Sire appeared before magistrates last October, for the first hearing, he asked for the case to be sent to crown court.