Both court cases stem from one night in October 2003

She was due in Beverly Hills Superior Court for a hearing on drug possession charges, but her lawyer said she was absent because of "security concerns".

Judge Elden Fox said Ms Love, 39, would be arrested if she did not turn up to her next hearing on Tuesday.

The star also failed to appear for the start of a trial for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Both cases relate to her arrest in October 2003 after police said she broke the windows of her boyfriend's house in the middle of the night.

The singer has just released her latest solo album

After being released on bail hours later, she was reportedly taken to hospital and treated for an overdose.

Ms Love has already pleaded not guilty to possessing the prescription painkillers oxycodone and hydrocodone.

But her first court case on Wednesday was to determine whether she would change her plea to guilty and agree to attend a drug diversion programme.

Judge Fox issued a bench warrant for her arrest, but agreed to suspend it until Tuesday.

Ms Love's lawyer William Genego told the judge the singer had "security concerns" but was "on call" if she was needed in court.

'Not complicated'

At Wednesday's second hearing, Superior Court Judge Patricia M Schnegg told Mr Genego the trial's delay was "getting old".

Ms Love has pleaded innocent to the misdemeanour charge. "It's not a complicated case," Judge Schnegg said.

The judge warned the singer she must be present for the new trial date on 23 February.