Still the same result I’m afraid, sorry! 
OK, how about if we remove the include_rts bit altogether, so the code reads:
$tweets = $connection->get('statuses/user_timeline.json?screen_name=Max_Fewtrell&count=5');
Does that make a difference?
AMAZING!!! Thank you so much so much for all your help and for being patient with me - you’ve cracked it!
Really appreciate that - you are a genius!
Thank you again 