A MAN who fled police who were trying to arrest him, running over an officer's foot during the getaway, has been spared jail.

Courtney Austin, of Furlong Close, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was set to stand trial for the single count of escaping from lawful custody but admitted the charge on Tuesday, while denying one count of assault.

Oxford Crown Court had already heard how police were first called to a suspected domestic violence incident at Wittenham Clumps, Oxfordshire, on September 5 last year.

When the pair of offices tried to arrest Austin, who was alone in the driving seat of the car, he did a three-point turn and ran over one of the officer's feet during his bid for freedom.

He was later arrested and admitted the charge this week.

Body worn footage played to the court showed one officer make the arrest before Austin revs the engine and begins to reverse.

They then charge the car with batons before the vehicle speeds away.

Sentencing yesterday Kellie Enever, defending, said that her client had since become a productive member of society and had gained employment.

She said: "That gives him pride, it gives him motivation and this keeps him on the straight and narrow."

Sentencing, Judge Ian Pringle said that the offence was so serious he had to impose a custodial sentence, albeit one he could suspend.

He said: "Although it was not an escape from a court room that was an escape from a perfectly proper arrest that had been carried out, and this offence passes the custody limit.

"Having said that and having looked very carefully you have made considerable efforts of the last few years."

Austin was given a suspended jail term of six months, suspended for 18 months and must pay a victim surcharge.