A handcuffed man who ran away from police during a drugs search has been convicted.

Neighbourhood officers were on patrol in Fulbourn in response to drug dealing in the area on February 23 when they came across James Lee parked up at the recreational ground.

With a strong smell of cannabis in the air, Lee was asked to get out of his car so he could be searched.

As the officer carried out the search, Lee started to object and became obstructive. He was put in handcuffs so the search could be completed but assaulted the officer and ran off as the second cuff was being put on.

Officers visited the 18-year-old’s home in High Street, Great Wilbraham, the next day to arrest Lee and retrieve the handcuff which was still attached to his wrist. Cannabis and cash were seized from his bedroom.

At Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday May 18, Lee pleaded guilty to assault of an emergency worker and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.

He was given a 12 month community order and must carry out 60 hours unpaid work and 20 days rehabilitation requirement.

PC Bujar Mani, who investigated, said: “Thankfully the officer received minor injuries but highlights the danger all emergency workers put themselves in as part of their role.”