Machete-wielding teen who sparked massive police hunt when he cut off electronic tag while on bail is spared jail
A TEENAGER who sparked a massive police hunt after absconding on bail and cutting off his electronic tag has been spared custody again.
Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley last week raised his concerns over the 16-year-old boy's case.
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He said massive resources had been used to track down the teenager — 'involved in machete attacks' — with a history of being arrested for firearms and zombie knives.
Sir Mark told BBC Radio 4: 'We sought his remand in custody. Even under the current system he was eventually bailed. He skipped his bail on his tag and we've put massive resources into chasing him.
'He's been caught with another machete again.'
But we can reveal the boy is now back on the streets after being captured in Eltham, South East London, on Tuesday.
He was held on suspicion of attempted murder, possessing a machete and cannabis.
He had also cut off his electronic tag.
The lad, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Bromley youth court on Thursday over the machete and drugs.
Prosecutors called for him to be remanded.
But District Judge Vanessa Lloyd said: 'Custody for young people must be a last resort.'
She technically refused bail, but remanded him to local authority accommodation with an 8pm to 7am curfew — and ordered he wear a tag.
Cops are probing the attempted murder allegation.
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