Teen fled after making death threats

A teenager who threatened to murder the families of police officers fled in handcuffs in a doomed bid to escape justice.

The 17-year-old, whose anonymity has to be protected under Scots law, had been placed in the rear of a marked police vehicle.

He kicked off in the back of the car before flinging open the door and leaping out to make off across the South Inch with officers in hot pursuit.

He was swiftly halted and appeared at Perth Sheriff Court where he was told he had committed serious offences.

The court heard the teenager, from Perth, had shouted, swore and then spat on windows in the police car before repeatedly striking his head against its interior.

He also repeatedly uttered threats of violence to four police constables and threatened to kill them and their families.

The accused also admitted a second charge of obstructing police officers by running away, having been lawfully arrested, handcuffed and placed in the rear of a marked police vehicle.

The court heard the teenager had no previous convictions but the folly of his actions was still driven home to him.

Sheriff William Wood told him: “These charges are quite serious and because of that and your age I will need a social work report to decide what is the best disposal.”

Sentence was deferred until January 3, 2018 and the accused was released on bail.