A teenager who was declined bail yesterday made a desperate dash from the court.
But the 19-year-old's dart for freedom was short-lived as a police custody officer pinned him to the side of the dock.
He was quickly joined by the in-court police prosecutor, who helped drag the defendant to the ground to restrain him.
Court security entered seconds later while the men struggled on the ground, hidden from view by the wall of the dock.
The teen could be heard refusing requests to ''just relax''.
The court was cleared as the fracas continued and the defendant made a deep growling noise while he continued to resist.
''I can't breathe, man,'' he yelled, before being pulled to his feet.
Red-faced and flustered, he did not appear to be injured.
Those involved in his restraint came away largely unscathed, apart from the police prosecutor, who sported a graze on his wrist.
The defendant, who was described by the court as ''transient'', had been arrested on a warrant after he failed to appear in the Queenstown District Court this week.
Before the incident, Judge Michael Crosbie had remanded him in custody until tomorrow to have a potential bail address checked.
The court had to be adjourned for more than 10 minutes while the defendant was taken to the cells. He could still be heard yelling as he was taken downstairs.
He is still scheduled to make a bail application this week.
His sole charge before the Dunedin District Court alleges he breached release conditions after he was freed from Christchurch prison in August last year.
He is accused of failing to report to his probation officer last month.
It is understood the defendant has further charges against him in other district courts.