Warrant issued for couple’s arrest after they came to court but didn’t come in the courtroom- twice

A man and a woman who reportedly came to court at the right time for their scheduled appearance but didn’t enter the courtroom are now in more trouble with the law.

Dipta Khan, 23, and Tarannum Oyshee, 20, are each charged with a single count of stealing groceries from Dominion on Jan. 19. After making two court appearances earlier this year, they didn’t show up when their case was called at the end of June. A Legal Aid lawyer spoke on their behalf, but the judge at that time issued an order requiring them to appear in person next time. When the case was called again Friday morning, Khan and Oyshee were again a no-show. Crown prosecutor Chris Mccarthy asked for a warrant for their arrest, telling the judge he had seen the couple in the building an hour earlier.

“You saw them here today?” Judge Lori Marshall asked.

“Yes,” Mccarthy replied, adding he had also seen Khan and Oyshee after they didn’t show up June 29. He had gone downstairs in Atlantic Place once court was adjourned that day, he said, and they were sitting in the food court.

Duty counsel Ben Curties said one of the accused is living in the province on a student visa which could be impacted by an arrest warrant, and noted the charges are relatively minor.

“If they’re here but not in the courtroom despite an order of personal appearance, there’s nothing I can do about that,”” Marshall said, issuing the warrant.

Once Khan and Oyshee are arrested, they will likely face new charges related to failing to appear in court.