A FORMER Chester guest house manager accused of rape made his first appearance in Crown Court this week.
But Mohamed Abouderbala, of Lloyds Guest House, Brook Street, had disappeared in the prison system before appearing before Judge Thomas Teague QC yesterday.
The 25-year-old defendant was due to appear at the Chester court on Monday but Simon Mills, defending, said: 'Nobody knows where he is and scandalously not even the jail in all probability.'
The following day, Abouderbala had still not been found and Mr Mills admitted it was 'extremely concerning'.
Peter Hussey, prosecuting, told the court he thought the Home Office Immigration department may have become involved.
Judge Thomas Teague QC was so concerned that he vowed to issue contempt proceedings if the defendant was not produced yesterday.
However, yesterday, Abouderbala was brought up from the cells and Mr Mills told the court he had been tracked down to HM Prison Walton.
Mr Mills said: 'It all sadly revolved around the misspelling of his name.'
Judge Teague then set a plea and case management date at the same court on August 6.
