Articles & News

May 6, 2008

UK man remanded in prison at own request

By Petra Silfverskiold, News Post Leader, UK

A MAN will spend the next few weeks on remand in Durham prison after arguing against being released on bail.
John Luke, 23, of Eastgate, Choppington, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court charged with harassment and making threats to damage property.

But despite being granted bail by magistrates, Luke argued that he would breach the conditions and said he wanted to stay on remand.

Chairman of the bench Madeleine Elliott had told him: "If you breach this bail you will be going straight from that glass box to Durham prison."

The court had heard how Luke had been arrested and charged following an incident in Alex Road, Ashington, where a police officer heard him make threats against residents of a property in the street.

After remanding Luke, Mrs Elliott told Luke's solicitor Angus Taylor: "That must be a first."

Luke will re-appear in court tomorrow (Friday) with a trial set for June 9.