IPSWICH: Blues star Carlos Edwards failed to turn up for court to answer a string of driving charges because he returned to his native Trinidad and Tobago following a family bereavement, The Evening Star understands.

A warrant for Carlos Edwards’ arrest was issued by magistrates when he did not show up for the hearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The winger or full back had already admitted two counts of driving without third party insurance, driving without a licence and driving without an MOT and is set to receive a driving ban when he is apprehended.

The charges relate to two incidents, one of which took place in Ipswich while the other was on the A14 near Bury St Edmunds.

The 32-year-old, of Coprolite Street, Ipswich, was allegedly driving a Mercedes on the A14 at 8.30am on January 22 when he was stopped by police. Following the incident he later played and scored the winning goal in Ipswich Town’s 3-2 win over Doncaster Rovers that same day.

It is believed Edwards has been in Trinidad and Tobago following the death of a family member and his absence in court was the result of an error when filling out forms ahead of the hearing.

The Star understands he has been made aware of the situation.

It was revealed in court that the Town star had pleaded guilty by post.

A police spokeswoman said that a warrant was still out for his arrest.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Ipswich Town Football Club said it was club policy not to comment on personal issues.

Edwards played 42 games for the Blues in the 2010/11 season, chipping in with three goals.

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