A TEENAGER who had been arrested on suspicion of assault fled from police leading to a search helicopter being deployed, magistrates heard.

James Kemp, 18, of South Street, Leominster pleaded guilty to obstructing and resisting a constable in execution of duty.

Amy Davies, prosecuting, said that police attended an address in Highmore Street, Westfields, Hereford, at 11.30pm on March 24, following reports of a domestic assault.

“The defendant was inside the property but didn’t answer the door despite police banging and shouting through the letter box,” said Mrs Davies.

“Police noticed a male had popped up out of the upstairs window and was ducking out of sight when a torch was shone on him.

“They rang the doorbell for 10 minutes and told the male to open the door or they would put it in. There was fresh blood on the outside of the door.”

The door lock was eventually opened by police and the defendant was found in the bedroom hiding under the duvet, pretending to be asleep.

Kemp said he wasn’t the wanted man but was arrested on suspicion of assault.

He was cautioned but made no reply and PC Blake took his arm and led him down the stairs while the other officers went ahead back to the police van.

“Kemp broke free of the officer while being led to the police car and sprinted away while being chased for about 200 metres,” added Mrs Davies.

“The uniformed officer dropped his baton and had to stop to pick it up meaning he lost sight of the defendant.”

An extended search of the area was carried out as police believed he was hiding in nearby gardens.

MoD police dogs and handlers attended and numerous other police officers. A police helicopter with heat seeking ability was also used. About 40 to 50 minutes later Kemp was located near the address in a side street and was arrested before being taken to the police station.

Once there Kemp said he was annoyed because his partner had left the property and got into a vehicle with another male he didn’t know.

He said he ran off in a ‘moment of madness’.

Christopher Aggrey, mitigating, said that Kemp was remorseful for his actions.

“It was a very immature way of dealing with the situation after having an argument with his partner,” said Mr Aggrey.

“He has disclosed that he had had a couple of drinks although he doesn’t wish to excuse his actions. He basically knew that he had done nothing wrong, his partner had rung police but had nothing substantial to complain about.”

Mr Aggrey added that when police arrived Kemp kept a low profile as he didn’t fancy a night in the cells.

Hereford Magistrates ordered Kemp to pay a fine of £80 for obstructing a police office and £135 in court costs.