A MAN who 'clung to a banister' to avoid arrest while on a suspended prison sentence for stalking has been spared jail.

Police attended an address in Whitehaven to arrest 23-year-old Rhys Burr on November 23, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Lee Dacre, prosecuting, said the defendant tried to get back in the house and went back up the stairs, dragging police up with him. He was “clinging to the banister” to avoid arrest.

Mike Pope, defending, said: “He is in breach of a suspended sentence. He was originally charged with assault to an emergency worker. It was sent to trial. He pleaded not guilty. Discussions were had and the prosecution accepted a plea to resist arrest.

“We were hoping the court would deal with it as a sentencing matter. Unfortunately, the crown court judge declined to do that. The case was sent back here.

“He has pleaded guilty. It’s not a relatively serious matter in the grand scheme of things.

“It was 17 months into the suspended sentence. He was going to be arrested for an offence which has some similarity. He has been suffering with mental health issues.”

Burr had been given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years in June 2021, after he admitted offences of stalking and engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour.

Mr Pope said: “He has complied with most of what has been asked of him. He has complied well with the order imposed in June 2021.

“His reaction to the police in panic was caused by mental health difficulties. Police came in heavy handed. He retreated into the house.

“The family dog that was under control of the mother reacted quite badly and was quite aggressive to police.

“Most of the occupants in the house were treated with Pava spray, including Mr Burr. His father is the subject of a separate charge of assault.

“This defendant’s reaction was minimal, compared with his parents and their reactions in trying to protect him.”

Burr, of Loop Road North, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to resisting a police officer in execution of duty, when he appeared in court on Monday.

Passing sentence, Jeff Forster, chair of the magistrates, said: “There was deliberate obstruction. We can’t find any factors to increase the harm. It’s aggravated by the fact you are on a suspended sentence.”

Burr was fined £120 and must pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.