Criminal breaks heel fleeing from police

John Ibbotson (27) of Cambridge Street, Colne, had been wanted on a bench warrant, after not turning up at Burnley Crown Court.

He was not the man officers had turned up at the house looking for, but ended up getting arrested and detained after suffering the injury.

Ibbotson appeared in the dock from custody in plaster and on crutches. He was allowed bail while he awaits sentence for dangerous driving.

Judge Beverley Lunt said: “He’s not going anywhere, is he, let’s face it? Or not very fast.”

The defendant admitted dangerous driving in Keighley Road and Carry Lane with no licence and no insurance on June 16th and failing to surrender on August 17th.

His case was adjourned until September 30th, for a pre-sentence report. He must live in Cambridge Street and obey a curfew between 9pm and 6am.

Ibbotson’s barrister, Mark Stuart, told the hearing police had gone to a house the defendant was at.

“They had gone to arrest somebody else, but then they got him as he broke his heel,” he said.

Mr Stuart said Ibbotson had a “pot” put on his leg the day before and had to go back to the hospital for another plaster cast.

Ibbotson was worried he might not get the treatment he required if he was on remand for the next four weeks.

Mr Stuart said: “That’s the only concern he’s got, that the prison service aren’t going to be able to deal with him.

“He’s not, at the moment - if it needs to be said - a great flight risk.”

Allowing the defendant his freedom, the judge told Ibbotson: “It’s only because you need medical assistance.” She imposed an interim driving ban.