Police seek elderly man charged with deceiving women

Police are looking for William Harding. Photo / Supplied

An elderly man sought in relation to several acts of defrauding elderly women has failed to appear in court.

Police are on the lookout for any sightings of William Harding, in his mid-70s, after he didn't turn up for a court hearing on August 9.

Sergeant Nick Brunger said the wanted man was due to appear in court over two charges of obtaining by deception and one charge of causing loss by deception.

The three alleged victims were all women over 60.

At the court appearance on June 28, Harding had entered a not-guilty plea to all charges. He was remanded on bail to a property in Liverpool St, Whanganui, prior to his next court date on August 9.

However, when he failed to show up at court Brunger said he personally went to the bail address.

When he got there the occupants informed him Harding had been admitted to hospital, he said.

"They hadn't seen him for at least two weeks," Brunger said. "But enquires at the hospital revealed he hadn't been seen or admitted there."

Brunger asked anyone with information as to Harding's whereabouts to get in contact with him on 06 349 0600 ext 65014.

The man was described as being of average height and medium build and could be anywhere in the North Island.