Footage has captured the moment a cowardly abuser tried to evade cops by escaping through water - but was caught by a dog. Luke Seffens, 34, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was wanted by police on suspicion of domestic abuse. He attempted to outrun officers and hopped into a river to stop the trained canine from picking up his scent. In the clip, he begged police to keep the dog away from him as he stood topless once they caught up with him.

The chase came after his victim claimed that she had endured random acts of violence between September and December 2023. In one incident, he had repeatedly smashed a coffee mug on her head and beat her. He frightened his victim after he threatened to stab and strangle her. Luckily, she fled to safety the next day, and he was arrested and charged. However, he was granted conditional bail by the courts pending the outcome of a trial.

Despite the strict measures imposed, he continued to contact the victim. On July 31 last year, he legged it from officers in the centre of Tunbridge Wells as he was about to be arrested. A lengthy pursuit followed, assisted by police dog Elsa, which led to Seffens being tracked into woodland near Vauxhall Lane, where he waded through the water to try and make his escape. His trousers were ripped, his top was missing and as he was handcuffed he pathetically begged police not to let PD Elsa bite him. “Don’t let it bite me, please,” he said.

The violent bully went on to plead guilty to charges of false imprisonment, engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, escape from lawful custody, criminal damage, and threats to damage property. Charges of intentional strangulation, as well as a further period of controlling and coercive behaviour, were ordered by the court to lie on file. On January 28, he was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to four years and nine months in prison and made subject to an indefinite restraining order. Detective Constable Max Jordan, of Kent Police, said: “Seffens abused, isolated and tormented his victim during the vast majority of their relationship.

"He used fear, violence and intimidation to exert control over almost every aspect of her life and his actions have caused immeasurable fear and distress. The victim has shown incredible courage and strength to give evidence and I hope this sentence will afford them the time and space needed to help break away from Seffen’s control and allow her to move on with her life. “We continue to urge all victims of domestic abuse to come forward, confident in the knowledge they will receive the best possible service. Remember, you are not to blame for what is happening and you can report it to us or contact several support organisations who can and will help you.”.