A WARRANT has been granted for the arrest of a Helensburgh man charged with stalking and raping a woman.

Matthew McKee had been due to face a number of allegations at the High Court in Glasgow today.

He is said to have raped the woman on different dates in August 2018 including at his home in the town as well as in a car at Glen Fruin, near Loch Lomond.

McKee faces a separate charge of engaging in a course of conduct with caused the alleged victim fear or alarm.

This includes claims the 34-year-old - also known as Jamie McKee - sent unwanted emails and letters, tried to find out her whereabouts and turned up at her work.

The dates span February 2019 and June 2020 in Helensburgh and at an address in England.

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Among other charges, it is further alleged McKee sent an intimate photo of the woman to one of her relatives intending to cause her distress.

The case called for a hearing today. McKee, still of Helensburgh, should have been in the dock.

His lawyer Simon Gilbride told judge Lady Stacey: "Mr McKee did attend this morning and was told to remain, but elected not to do so."

Prosecutor Mark Mohammed moved for a warrant.

Lady Stacey said: "Given that he was ordered to appear, I am prepared to grant a warrant for his arrest for his non-appearance."

The case will call again in February.