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A Court of Queen’s Bench justice reacted tersely to news a man who was to be sentenced for criminal harassment Tuesday was in Russia.

Court heard Kenneth Carter, 58, didn’t appear in Calgary court Tuesday because he was in hospital in Kazan, about 800 kilometres east of Moscow.

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A Canada-wide arrest warrant could be activated Friday if Carter doesn’t return or his medical condition doesn’t satisfy Justice Glen Poelman, who sternly questioned defence lawyer Gavin Wolch about the absence.

“Did you know your client was planning to travel to Russia before the sentencing hearing?” said Poelman.

Wolch said he didn’t have “specific” information about his client’s travel plans.

“What do you mean not specifically?” Poelman said in response.

Wolch explained Carter was visiting his wife’s family in the Russian city and was admitted to hospital on Monday suffering from cardiac problems.

“He travels regularly … He’s never had a problem with appearances; he’s travelled regularly throughout the entire proceedings; and, he’s always come back.”