Former glamour model Katie Price has been issued with an arrest warrant after failing to attend a court hearing regarding her bankruptcies.
The Insolvency and Companies Court heard that Price had received numerous warnings to attend Tuesday's hearing, but had failed to do so without providing any explanation for her absence.
Judge Catherine Burton stated that Price had "failed to attend today's hearing" and had provided no explanation for her absence. "It is in my judgment necessary that the court issue a warrant for Ms Price's arrest," she said. "She has no real excuse in failing to attend today's hearing. The reason for her absence today is irrelevant."
The court proceedings stem from Price's bankruptcy declarations in 2019 and 2023, the latter being due to an unpaid tax bill of £761,994.05. In February, Price was ordered to forfeit 40% of her income from the adult entertainment website OnlyFans for three years as part of a separate debt dispute.
Price had previously expressed frustration with legal action surrounding her debts, stating in October 2022 that she was "fed up" with the situation and was prepared to face imprisonment to be "done with it all."
Barrister Darragh Connell, representing the trustee, informed the court that significant information regarding Price's income and assets remains missing. He stated that the trustee has no knowledge of her whereabouts and that Price has not requested a remote hearing or adjournment of the proceedings.
The hearing was also scheduled to consider an application by the trustee regarding Price's vehicles. Connell stated that Price had indicated she would deliver some of her vehicles to the trustee, including her âpink Range Rover with a personalised registration plate," as part of her debt repayment plan. However, the court was informed that this had not transpired, leading Connell to assert that "it is plain that the vehicles will not be delivered up by the bankrupt."
The arrest warrant for Price will likely lead to her detention until a future hearing. Connell assured the court that her detention would be of short duration, solely intended to secure her attendance at the next hearing.
"Her liberty is on the line, but unfortunately, we are at the end of the road in relation to this matter," Connell said.