A MAN who fled from police custody after being arrested on Christmas Eve appeared before Swindon Magistrates on Friday.

Musa Magani, 30, of Hatherall Close, had previously pleaded not guilty to obstructing a police officer and a trial date was set for May 25 in Chippenham.

But he failed to turn up for his trial and was found guilty in his absence and a warrant issued for his arrest.

Nick Barr, prosecuting, told the court: “Police were called to his home on December 24 after reports of a dispute between the defendant and his brother."

Magani ran off while being walked to the police car but later that afternoon, a police dog handler spotted him in Watermead and he was apprehended by the dog.

Alexis Pink, defending, said: “He overslept on the date of the trial, he doesn’t have a good excuse.

“He is 30 years old, he lives with his parents and his siblings and comes from a good family.

“At the time of this incident there was an ongoing feud with his brother who is 25."

The court heard that Magani was not working but was in the process of looking for work.

Sentencing Magani, chairman of the bench, Val Street, said: “For failing to surrender to the court, you will be fined £50 but we will consider it served by the night you have spent in the cells.

“For the obstruction you will receive a conditional discharge for a period of 12 months, if you commit any further crimes within that 12 months then this offence will be looked at again.”

He must also pay £200 in costs.