A disabled man was today being hunted by detectives after he failed to appear in Court to be sentenced for slashing a have-a-go hero with a cut-throat razor.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of mugger William Meskiri by Judge Roger Scott at Bradford Crown Court yesterday. Meskiri faces a long jail sentence after he admitted robbery and malicious wounding.

The 29-year-old was bailed to be sentenced following an earlier hearing but failed to appear at the city court.

Detective Inspector John Armitage, of Bradford South Police, who is leading the hunt, said: "Officers are actively pursuing this man and we are appealing to anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact us. In view of the charges this man faces, we would advise members of the public not to approach him but to contact police."

Judge Scott said it was likely Meskiri would be locked up when he is found.

Electrician Leslie Hayton went to the aid of teacher Jill Evans in October 2000 when she was attacked by Meskiri in Bradford city centre.

Mrs Evans, who was leaving a bank with her two children, suffered a broken thumb when Meskiri snatched her purse.

After hearing her cries for help, Mr Hayton chased him. The 46-year-old cornered Meskiri and was cut across the face, inches from a major vein.

Although Meskiri, of Harewood Street, Barkerend, Bradford, escaped from Mr Hayton, he was tracked down three years later by detectives who used DNA from a watch he dropped at the scene.

Meskiri later broke his back after he jumped over a 60ft drop while being chased by police in 2001 in connection with a separate offence.

He admitted the charges when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court last month, but Judge Scott was told yesterday he had failed to attend an appointment for a pre-sentence report.

Meskiri's barrister, Simon Myers said his client was dependent on sticks to walk and added: "Unfortunately he has not assisted those who are trying to assist him."

Anyone with information should telephone the police on 0845 6060606.