Warrant for missing Suzi

But Block star’s lawyers say it’s just a mix-up

KATE KYRIACOU, ALEXANDRIA UTTING AND GREG STOLZ

AN arrest warrant has been issued for former The Block star Suzi Taylor after she missed a court appearance this week.

But it is understood Taylor’s lawyers will argue her nonappearance was a misunderstanding because she was listed to appear in two courts at once. A spokesman from the Department of Justice confirmed the warrant had been issued for two counts of breach of bail, with Taylor listed to appear again on March 9.

Taylor is facing charges of extortion, assault occasioning bodily harm and deprivation of liberty over allegations she bashed a Tinder date and forced him to hand over money late last year. Police have claimed the former reality TV contestant, along with co-accused Ali Ebrahimi, attacked a 33-year-old at Taylor’s New Farm home, forcing him to make an online transaction before taking his bank card and withdrawing money.

An earlier hearing heard Ebrahimi allegedly kicked and punched the man. Taylor’s lawyer has said she will contest the man’s version of events.

She was released on Supreme Court bail to live with a cousin on the Gold Coast but arrested again on January 10 after the relative told police Taylor had gone missing.

Taylor was arrested walking along Currumbin beach. She was fined $300 with no conviction recorded.

She was arrested again at a Brisbane hotel and charged with assault and stealing following an altercation with a woman over a phone.

Taylor was on Monday listed to appear in a courtroom of the Brisbane Magistrates Court in Roma St on charges including common assault, stealing and two counts of breaching a bail condition.

She was also listed to appear on the same day in Brisbane

Magistrates Court 20 in George St on charges of driving without a licence, contravening a requirement or direction of police, drink driving, obstructing police, breach of a bail condition, deprivation of liberty, extortion and possessing dangerous drugs.

It is understood she appeared in court 20 on Monday to face the charges, but the warrant was issued by the magistrate in courtroom 1 when Taylor did not show.