Handcuffed man ran from police across the A55

35-YR-OLD PUT COPS AND OTHERS AT RISK, COURT HEARS

AHANDCUFFED driver ran across the A55 after telling police they should not have stopped him, a court heard.

Paul John Cyster was ordered to pay £400 in fines and costs after admitting to running from the officers across the dual carriageway.

He had been signalled to stop his Mercedes Vito van by officers who were concerned about the manner of his driving while heading eastbound on the A55 near Bangor on May 9.

Magistrates at Caernarfon

heard the vehicle was being driven at speed and emitting a lot of smoke.

Sarah Marsh, prosecuting, said that, despite it being 9.45pm, the vehicle did not have any lights on.

“When signalled to stop, the driver showed no indication of doing so,” she said.

“But, approaching a junction, he braked sharply and stopped on the chevrons.

“As the officers pulled in behind the defendant, who was dressed in dark clothing, he got out of the vehicle and walked towards them.”

Cyster, 35, of Trem yr Wyddfa, Penygroes, told the two officers they were not “traffic” and should not have stopped him.

When they tried to detain him, he struggled and, although handcuffed, broke free and ran across the road to the central reservation and then across the westbound carriageway.

Ms Marsh said he was secured when other officers arrived to assist.

“The defendant put himself, the officers and others at risk,” she said.

Cyster admitted a public order offence and obstructing police.

Deborah Tennant Davies, defending, said Cyster was stopped regularly by police despite his vehicle being properly licensed, taxed and roadworthy.

“He is a totally legitimate driver but went about this the wrong way,” she said. “He should have gone through the proper procedure with the officers.”

Ms Davies agreed that Cyster had previous motoring offences but said he had “turned his life around” and was now lawabiding and working as a mechanic.

Bench chairman Ffion Jones said the fines and costs would be added to the amount outstanding from previous offences and would be deducted from his benefits.