AN arrest warrant has been issued for a Belfast man who is the subject of a PSNI missing persons appeal.
Martyn Price, described by police as "extremely vulnerable", absconded from Knockbracken Healthcare Park on Belfast's Saintfield Road last Saturday.
Police said they believed the 35-year old may have been heading in the Newry direction and warned the public not to approach him.
A breach hearing was listed at Belfast Crown Court today which Mr Price did not attend. After hearing details, Judge Patricia Smyth issued an arrest warrant "for his own safety and the safety of the public".
Mr Price was made the subject of a Probation Order in January for the offence of making threats to kill.
The breach hearing was listed on the grounds that Mr Price failed to notify his probation officer of a chance of address.
During the hearing, a probation officer asked Judge Smyth to revoke the order. However, this request was adjourned until Mr Price can be located.
Solicitor Fergal McElhatton, representing Mr Price, confirmed his client absconded from Knockbracken and told the court "his whereabouts are unknown to me."
The solicitor also spoke of an urgent need to address Mr Price's mental health difficulties, and said that once located, the best option would be returning him to Knockbracken.
Judge Smyth told the court it was her view, given the current circumstances, that the probation order was no longer appropriate. She also described the threats in this case as being of the "utmost seriousness."
