A TEENAGED 'drug addict' with a “shocking” criminal record was tasered by police, appeared to suffer a fit then “did a bunk” from Withybush Hospital after asking his police guard if he could go to the toilet.

The 17-year-old from Haverfordwest – who cannot be named for legal reasons – received a 12 month custodial sentence when he appeared before a Youth Court last week, after pleading guilty to nine charges including burglary, theft, assault and intimidating a witness.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, told the session at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court the teen had stolen a bottle of Joop aftershave from Wilko and “garlic chicken and ice cream” from a freezer in a garden shed.

“On October 18, he assaulted his girlfriend at her flat while he was high on drugs,” said Ms Morgan. “He hit her over the head with her bag three times […] He grabbed her arm and flung her on the floor. He held her down by her neck and she said ‘you are just like your father’. She says he then ‘went psycho’ and smacked her full in the face.”

The girl was taken to a women’s refuge. While her flat was empty, the boy broke in and slashed more than 50 items of clothing, including her mother’s wedding dress. He also cut the vacuum cleaner and tumble dryer’s power cables. The cost of the damage was estimated at more than £1,500.

Following the burglary the youth call the girl numerous times and sent her threatening text messages, despite a bail condition not to contact her.

He went on to break her window and threatened to smash up her possessions with a hammer.

Police tracked him down, using a taser during his arrest. Following his hospital escape, the boy was caught and arrested.

James Subbiani, defending, said his client’s foster carer had died and the teen’s “appalling” behaviour was caused by addiction to the legal high Ethylphenidate.

“I've known the defendant for seven years and he is one of my most likeable clients,” Mr Subbiani explained. “He’s always been anti-drugs so I’m surprised he developed an addiction. He’s an intelligent lad.”

Mr Subbiani said the boy had spent 28 days in custody and was “looking much healthier”. He showed Magistrates letters the teen had received from the girl, covered in lipstick kisses.

“His antecendent history is shocking for someone so young, but there’s more to him than a life as a career criminal,” the defence solicitor said.