A FATHER of two went on the run from police for eight days after breaking his bail conditions in an act described as “utterly stupid”.

John Smith, 35, of Kingsway, in Hereford pleaded guilty to escaping from police officers on September 29 before finally handing himself in on October 7.

Michael Conry, prosecuting at Hereford Crown Court last week said that earlier on September 29, Smith had been released on bail for another offence.

Smith breached his bail conditions, so police attended his address.

Mr Conry said: “As the officer reached for his handcuffs Smith ran off down the back of the flats and made his escape.”

Simon Burns, mitigating, branded the offence as “utterly stupid”. He added: “He is somebody who is far from well and has suffered from a heroin addiction, but is on the road to recovery.

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins ordered Smith to complete a 12-month community order with the requirements to complete a six months of drug rehabilitation and 15 days of rehabilitation activity.