The University of Alabama fan convicted of poisoning Auburn University's oak trees failed to attend a hearing Wednesday on why he hasn't paid court-ordered restitution.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports Harvey Updyke, a retired Texas state trooper who lives in Louisiana, didn't show up for a hearing before Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker.

»RELATED: Kirk Herbstreit calls Harvey Updyke an 'idiot' while praising Toomer's Corner tradition

Prosecutors planned to seek a warrant on Updyke for failing to appear, and the judge will decide later whether to order his arrest.

The judge also gave prosecutors a month to review a letter from Updyke's doctor saying the 71-year-old man wasn't well enough to travel to Opelika for court. Submitted Tuesday, the letter said Updyke suffered from conditions including severe coronary disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, strokes and depression.

»PHOTO GALLERY: Auburn's 130-year-old oak trees poisoned

In a public Facebook post earlier this week, Updyke wrote that he would travel to Alabama by bus and expected to be jailed, possibly to "not make it out" because of his health.

"ROLL DAMN TIDE!!" the post ended.

Updyke pleaded guilty in 2013 to poisoning trees at Auburn's Toomer's Corner. Court records show Updyke has paid only $6,900 of about $800,000 he was ordered to pay in penalties and restitution.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand to 48 teams, marking the first expansion of the field since 1998. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman