A HEROIN addict accused of pulling a knife on a young policewoman has been found not guilty by a jury at Swindon crown court.

But Carl Thomas of The Circle, Pinehurst will remain in custody as he awaits sentence for other charges of affray and possessing a bladed article from the same day.

The 23-year-old had run away from police on the night of Friday July 16 and PC Kate Platten gave chase.

The young officer, who was a couple of days away from the end of her two year probationary period, said she caught up with him after he slipped.

Although she wasn't sure if she managed to grab him she said he brandished the large kitchen knife at her before dropping it and running off. But the jury of six men and six women didn't believe her and found Thomas not guilty of assault with intent to resist arrest.

He had claimed that the knife was tucked down the back of his trousers and fell out when he slipped on the wet pavement.

Before the trial the defendant had admitted having the knife on him when he left his friend's home at The Abalone Guest House in Sheppard Street that evening.

And he also admitted a charge of affray relating to an incident earlier in the evening when he armed himself with the weapon before chasing a man. After catching him Thomas kicked him a couple of times and then went back to his friend's place before leaving with the knife still on him.

Thomas was returned to custody following the verdict of the jury and will face sentence at a later date.

Jamie Hill