A man ripped off his electronic tag and claimed to have taken an overdose of drugs as he was due to be sentenced for three indecent assaults this morning.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Aaron Pescud, 32, was found guilty last month of indecently assaulting two girls under the age of 14 some time before 2001 and was told at Kingston Crown Court that a custodial sentence was "inevitable".

Pescud, of High Street, Whitton, refused to speak to the defence counsel after another barrister was drafted in to cover the sentencing hearing.

The court was told Pescud, a former student at St George's College, Weybridge, also suffered from conditions believed to be ADHD and a personality disorder and was undergoing medical tests.

Judge Kent said: "I have seen and heard him give evidence. I am satisfied he is not intellectually impaired and can understand the importance of this hearing and this is the opportunity, if he wishes, to engage with his counsel.

"This is a serious case and the time has come for the sentence to be delivered.

"The defendant is able to understand what I am saying today and I am going to adjourn the case to give the defendant the chance to speak to his counsel.

"If he does not wish to do so, I will proceed to sentence."

Adjourning the hearing, Pescud was taken into custody and told a court officer he had taken 12 tablets and they had half an hour to get him an ambulance. As he was led down to the cells, Pescud also ripped his electronic tag from his leg.

An ambulance crew attended the court and, although the dosage of prescription medication was not thought to be life-threatening, he was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Pescud will remain in custody until the sentencing hearing resumes next week.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: