MP's son Sean Ellman fails to attend at court

The son of a Liverpool MP charged over the sale of legal highs failed to attend court because he was on holiday.

Sean Ellman, 40, son of Labour MP Louise Ellman and proprietor of Salsa Enterprises Ltd, is charged under consumer protection legislation.

Mike Gray, defending, told Chester magistrates Mr Ellman, of Parkville Road, Manchester, was on holiday abroad with his "respectable family".

Judge Nicholas Sanders said the situation was "utterly unacceptable".

He warned a warrant would be issued for the defendant if he failed to turn up at the next court hearing on 14 September.

A barrister had travelled to Chester Magistrates' Court from London to lead the prosecution, brought by Trading Standards.

The defence team said it had been unaware the barrister was going to make the trip.

Mr Ellman faces charges relating to the supply of a chemical substance and omitting to provide the purchaser with information about the potential risks associated with the product.

Salsa Enterprises Ltd owns "head shops" in Chester, Manchester, Warrington and St Helens.