A Douglas man who ran from police when they tried to search him for drugs has been put on probation.

Daniel Brian Corlett, of Stanley View, was sentenced to two 12 month probation orders by a magistrates’ court, to run concurrently, for offences of obstructing a drugs search and possession of cannabis.

Corlett, who is 31, must also pay prosecution costs of £125.

We previously reported how, on February 1 at 1.45am, Corlett was seen by police in Lord Street in Douglas. He was walking towards police carrying what appeared to be a white cup with a Lucozade bottle inside it.

Police reported that he seemed to be under the influence of something so they told him they were going to search him.

But Corlett had other ideas, saying: ’No you’re not.’ He then ran off into James Street.

An officer tried to stop him but Corlett pushed him in the chest, knocking his radio to the ground, before running on to Fancy Street, then King Street. He then headed on to Victoria Street and Strand Street with police in pursuit.

He was cornered behind Heritage Homes’ office but climbed a fire escape and refused to come down. Corlett then climbed on to a flat roof before he was eventually persuaded to surrender.

The smashed cup was found, containing a white substance, later identified as cocaine. Corlett pleaded guilty to possessing a class ’A’ drug and entered a basis of plea admitting to possessing cocaine weighing less than one gram, worth under £50.

The case had been adjourned pending the preparation of a probation report before sentencing.

At the sentencing Corlett’s defence advocate Roger Kane said: ’We’re talking about a minimal amount of cocaine. Mr Corlett is at a crossroads in his life. ’He is still a relatively young man, albeit with considerable previous convictions. He has over the years gained a sense of notoriety amongst his peers but he has done everything he can to leave the past behind him.

’I would submit this offence represents a blip in an otherwise very good and productive number of years staying out of trouble. He still has a past to get away from that makes it difficult to gain employment.’

Mr Kane added that Corlett was currently awaiting a knee operation and suffered from migraines.

’This is a man who is willing to do anything rather than go back to custody,’ said the advocate. ’He does not want to go back to that life.

’He believes probation could assist him in the long run with health, employment and accommodation. Ultimately it would be much more beneficial.’

An order for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs was also made.