A WARRANT has been made for the arrest of a former drug dealer who is awaiting sentencing for further crimes.

Nicola Ryder, of Henshall Avenue, Latchford, was due to appear before Chester Crown Court for sentencing today, Monday, after being found guilty of possessing a blade and using abusive and threatening behaviour to insight fear.

The two charges relate back to an incident on October 12, 2023.

Honour Judge Steven Everett was set to sentence Ryder, who was previously serving a prison sentence relating to drug charges.

The 33-year-old was jailed back in October 2021, for admitting possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply in connection with a raid at a property Leicester Street in Whitecross back in the May of that year.

She was handed a 30-month prison sentence at Liverpool Crown Court for her part in the large heroin and crack cocaine gang operation carried out in Warrington, named Operation Spartans.

Ryder, now facing separate charges for an unrelated incident, failed to appear for the sentencing hearing today at Chester Crown Court.

Honour Judge Steven Everett instead issued a warrant for her arrest following her absence and the sentencing has been adjourned until further notice.