Australia businessman Nathan Tinkler arrest warrant issued

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-33590501

Version 0 of 1.

An arrest warrant has been issued for former Australian mining billionaire and football club owner Nathan Tinkler.

The warrant was issued after Mr Tinkler failed to appear at a court case examining the collapse of his thoroughbred horse racing business.

The controversial businessman, who began work as a mining apprentice, lost most of his wealth in the collapse of the Australian resources boom.

Mr Tinkler says there was simply a misunderstanding over his attendance.

He is quoted in The Australian newspaper as saying that he made it clear he would be unable to make the court hearing and had offered a security bond instead.

Nevertheless he was placed in contempt of court, as the Supreme Court of the state of South Australia required him to give evidence about the liquidation of his horse breeding business, Patinack Farm.

"I accept the submission that in the circumstances there is no reasonable excuse for Mr Tinkler to have not appeared today," Judge Steve Roder is quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.

The Patinack Farm creditors are owed about A$5m ($3.7m, £2.4m).

The Supreme Court case was adjourned until 10 September when Mr Tinkler will be expected to appear.