A NEWPORT man chased from a city court by men was too scared to attend his own case earlier today, magistrates were told.

Liam Slade, 25, of Cromwell Road, is charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in Newport last month.

But Ian George, representing Slade at Newport Magistrates’ Court, said he had been approached by men at the court before his case had been heard, had run away from them and was too scared to return.

Mr George said: “He was worried because he felt he would be targeted by individuals. He’s quite a robust individual but he was terrified. He was effectively taking refuge. I told him to call the police.”

Mr George said Slade was in a garage on Corporation Road earlier this afternoon.

But he added that he would ensure the defendant is back in court next week if magistrates adjourned the case.

They agreed to and Slade is expected back at Newport Magistrates’ Court next Tuesday.

He had been granted unconditional bail earlier.

Gwent Police and Newport Magistrates’ Court spokeswomen said they were unaware of the incident.