A PRISONER who leapt 12 feet to "freedom" from a court dock was re-arrested after jumping into the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Scott Dumigan, 18, leapt into the water but found the canal was shallow enough to allow him to walk to the other side and was promptly arrested.

Dumigan, who had kicked out at a Group Four officer as he scaled the newly-erected Perspex screen at Burnley magistrates court, is now back in custody, after a judge sent him to a young offenders' institution for six months.

Judge Edward Slinger told Dumigan he had got away from a secure area and only custody could be justified.

Dumigan, of Paythorne Avenue, Burnley, admitted escape and common assault, in July.

Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, said Dumigan had been appearing for sentence at the lower court and was in custody.

When he got to the top of the steps in the dock, he jumped to the top of the screen and vaulted over the top, a drop of about 12 feet.

He set off running, with police and a Group Four person in pursuit and after a chase he jumped into the canal.

He gave himself up, was arrested and taken back to court.

Mr Lindley said when Dumigan had made his escape bid, he had kicked out at Group Four officer Sharon Crossley, catching her wrist and causing a bruise. Roger Baldwin, defending, said Dumigan had leapt from the "almost impregnable dock," at the magistrates court. Dumigan, who had earlier been remanded in custody, had been bullied, after a car he had sold was involved in an accident.

A relative of the victim, who was also in custody, believed Dumigan had been the driver and Dumigan did not want to return to custody.

When he had jumped up to escape, the Group Four officer had taken hold of his ankle and he kicked out to get away. His intention was not to injure her, but to get away.

Mr Baldwin said the defendant had jumped into the canal and "reached out for the far shore," only he found out it was not as deep as he thought and he could walk across.

He was arrested on the far bank.

He added Dumigan, who had been involved with criminals more sophisticated then himself, would benefit from the probation Stop Programme.

He had just completed his first custodial sentence.

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