Appeal to find a wanted Gateshead man

Police search for a wanted Gateshead man after he fled from court minutes before he was due to be sentenced.

Carl Hodgson, of Seaburn Gardens in Felling, was due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Thursday 25 May for a breach of a community order.

Minutes before he was due in the dock the 21-year-old fled the court.

For the past week he has been avoiding police.

A number of attempts have been made to find Carl but he has refused to engage with officers or hand himself in.

Officers are now appealing for help from the public to trace his whereabouts so that they can return him to custody.

Carl is described as:

• White

• Around 5ft6in tall

• Slim build

• With short mousey hair

If anyone has seen Carl, or has any information that may help police find him, please contact Northumbria police.