Halifax man who tried to '˜hide' from police appears in court

A dozy defendant due before a judge for burglary was photographed by Halifax police unsuccessfully hiding under a bed at his home - with both his legs sticking out.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jun 2017, 13:47 BST
Updated 18th Jul 2017, 08:55 BST

Officers who arrested Jan Sivak, 30, posted a picture of him after they found him on social media, saying, “he will not be winning any awards for hide-and-seek champion soon.”

Sivak was wanted for failing to surrender to bail at Bradford Magistrates Court, West Yorks., on Tuesday (June 27) to answer a charge of burgling a fish and chip shop.

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He is accused of stealing £4,500 in cash and other goods from the upstairs office of the takeaway between June 3-4.

Mr Sivak appeared in the dock at Bradford Magistrates Court with a ‘goatee’ beard, dressed in a black T-shirt and green trousers.

He spoke only to confirm his identity.

He pleaded not guilty to burglary of a non-dwelling but admitted failing to surrender and was jailed for 14 days.

He was remanded into custody until July 28 for trial at Bradford Crown Court.

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Gulfraz Khan, defending, said Sivak had tried to get to court on the day of his appearance but was unsuccessful.

He said: “Bradford is some distance from Halifax and there is no possible way he can work.

“He had tried every possible avenue to attain some money for travel.”

A magistrate told Sivak: “This is a Category 1 offence and we have no power to deal with you here.

“You will go to the Crown Court because you have pleaded not guilty.”