Alleged grave body snatcher skips court

Police initially alleged the remains were stolen in two separate incidents between January 27 and February 1, with detectives later uncovering them at a Footscray property.

When Hearne failed to appear on Wednesday, magistrate David Langton noted he had fairly stringent conditions for his undertaking on bail. 

Among them, he was required to present to police during his curfew hours - however, police prosecutors were unsure when officers last had contact with Hearne.

The court had not heard from either Hearne or a legal representative on his behalf, and the magistrate granted prosecutors' request to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Hearne was due to appear in court for the first mention of his matter.