Watch the moment police drone finds Mansfield man hiding in woods after he assaulted woman

Nottinghamshire Police have released footage from the dramatic incident which shows the man being arrested.

Officers piloted the airborne camera using the heat source capabilities to track the man down following a report of the assault and the offender running away from the scene.

Nicky Chesters, 32, of Berry Hill Lane, pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker and criminal damage at Nottingham Crown Court last week.

The charges relate to a report of an assault in Clipstone in the early hours of June 27 where it reported Chesters assaulted a woman, causing damage to a number of items within a house including fixtures and fittings.

The injured victim rang 999 in distress following the incident, but Chesters had left the property.

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Officers began a search on foot in pitch black for the offender and used the force's drone to indicate a heat source in the woodlands.

Upon spotting him among the trees, Chester ran at the police and used his left hand to strike an officer to the side of his face.

He then began to resist arrest and had to be wrestled to the ground. Following the struggle Chester was arrested for assault, criminal damage and police assault.

Thankfully the officer didn't sustain any visible injuries following the incident.

Chester was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment, suspended for 24-months.

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Detective Constable Ella Redfern led the investigation. She said: "This was excellent policing work to track Chester down in difficult conditions.

"By the time we were called it was around 2am and obviously not the greatest conditions to find him. We were able to utilise all our resources including the drone to track him down and make the arrest.

"The woman was taken to Kings Mill Hospital for treatment to bruising across her body.

"His behaviour was totally unacceptable. I'd like to praise the woman's bravery in coming forward and helping with this result. We know it's never easy for people to come forward following domestic abuse.

"I hope that other victims of domestic abuse that read this, come forward and contact the police, find the courage and speak out.

"If you are experiencing abuse, I would encourage you to contact the police on 101, or local partners who can provide you with support and advice."

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