TEENAGER Ricky Green threatened police with a metal bar and then used a baby as a shield to evade arrest, Chippenham Magistrates' Court heard last Monday.

Green was convicted of cruelty to a child or young person and assault.

Prosecuting, Anna Humphreys told the court that police went to a house in Chippenham at 11.55pm on November 7 2002.

The police visited Green, of Allington Way, to investigate allegations that he had indecently assaulted a woman.

She said Green acted aggressively and picked up a 14ins metal bar, which he smashed into a cabinet, before telling police: "I'm not going anywhere with you pigs."

Miss Humphreys told the court Green smashed the cabinet again and the officers then left the room because they felt threatened.

They closed the door behind them, which Green hit with the bar. The court heard how Green then picked up a nine-month-old baby and continued to wield the bar aggressively before leaving the house and walking up the road on what Miss Humphreys said was a cold night. She said the baby's arms and legs were bare.

She said Green walked up the road shouting and swearing and was followed by a woman.

He refused to hand the baby to the police.

The court heard that Green approached a small group of people and police used this as an opportunity to grab him, but he refused to let go of the baby's leg. He was then arrested.

In his interview with police, Green said he became angry when the police arrived at the house and then accused him of something he had not done.

He said he knew his behaviour was wrong, but he did not want to go with the police officers.

He told them he knew they would not touch him while he held the baby.

Defending, Matthew Drew said Green had been out drinking during the day and had a dispute with his mother, which contributed to the evening's events.

Mr Drew told the court that Green had been with his partner all day and did not know the woman he was accused of assaulting. The court was told the indecent assault allegations were later proved to be unfounded.

Mr Drew told the court that Green had been upset and angry at the allegations. He said Green did not physically assault anyone during the incident, but admitted to the court that he had put the police officers in fear of violence.

Mr Drew said Green left his house because he wanted to confront the person who had made the false allegations against him. The court heard that the baby was clothed and was wrapped in a blanket.

Mr Drew said his client entered his guilty plea on the basis he exposed the child to risk of injury.

The court heard that since the incident the teenager has received treatment for depression.

"The allegations made against him would make anyone feel frightened, anxious and upset," Mr Drew said. "It's not entirely surprising he didn't go quietly."

In November 2002, Green pleaded guilty to common assault and was fined £50. In January this year, he was found guilty of driving while disqualified and driving over the alcohol limit.

The court sentenced him to a two-year community rehabilitation order.

The chief magistrate said Green needed to think first before acting and hoped the programme would teach him how to react in stressful situations.

davey@newswilts.co.uk