AN innocent teenager was detained in custody for up to 18 hours as a result of a woman’s comments to police.

David Mason was returning home from a social club with two friends when he came across a commotion in the street involving Anne Louise Chambers and a drunken 11-year-old girl who was wearing only a nightdress.

Mr Mason intervened shortly before police arrived, in an area known as the Green, opposite St Mary’s Church, in Horden, County Durham, at 11.45pm on February 20.

Durham Crown Court heard that the abusive Chambers was arrested for a public order offence, but following a comment she made to officers, Mr Mason was arrested.

Richard Cowen, prosecuting, said the girl was taken to a police station for her safety.

He said: “In view of what was said, Mr Mason was very firmly in the frame.

“He was looked upon as a criminal and arrested.

“The grapevine in Horden was working with ultra speed, and Chambers, who had been released, returned to the police station to say that an innocent person had been arrested and was being held, but this was some time later.

“Even if no direct allegation was made against Mr Mason, in the circumstances she must have realised it would lead to very serious consequences for him.”

Chambers later told police she did not initially know Mr Mason had been arrested, and that when she realised, she returned to the police station.

Mr Cowen said the innocent 19-year-old remained under suspicion for 17 or 18 hours before his release.

Chambers, 33, of Sixth Street, Horden, admitted perverting the course of justice.

Matthew Donkin, in mitigation, said Chambers denied making any claim other than that she had come across the girl in the company of Mr Mason. She was given a suspended jail sentence, a sixmonth, 8pm to 8am curfew and 12 months of probation supervision.

Speaking after the case, Mr Mason’s mother, Tracy Evans, said she was disgusted that Chambers was not in jail.

She said her son was frightened to go out for some time after the incident because there was a lingering belief he had done something untoward to the girl.