A defendant at Brighton Magistrates’ Court climbed over a glass panel to escape from the dock in a break-out similar to one that he tried at Lewes Crown Court four years ago.
George Qatramiz, 32, was caught four hours later when officers from Sussex Police arrested him 30 miles away in Eastbourne.
Qatramiz, who faces a charge of wounding with intent, fled the 15ft-high dock in Brighton during a bail hearing and dodged a police officer and a guard from security contractor GEO Amey.
He ran from the court out into Edward Street at about 12.15pm and evaded the guards and police who were chasing him to make his getaway.
Sussex Police said: “Officers acting on intelligence traced a vehicle driven by a woman to Grand Parade, in Eastbourne, where it was stopped at about 4.08pm.
“Qatramiz was then located and arrested in nearby Trinity Trees, close to the Holy Trinity Parish Church, at about 4.22pm.
“Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody, pending further inquiries.”
He pulled a similar stunt in Lewes as he was being sentenced for having drugs by Judge Anthony Niblett in May 2012.
Qatramiz, of Grand Avenue, Seaford, jumped over the side of the dock, legged it from the courtroom and launched himself through the window in a locked door.
The doors on each side were not locked but his antics gave guards and police enough time to drag him back into custody.
This evening (Monday 4 April) Inspector Adele Tucknott said: “We’d like to thank the media and the public for their assistance in locating Qatramiz.
“His arrest followed a successful search operation which included officers on foot, the NPAS police helicopter and a dog unit, and demonstrated our efficient and effective efforts to arrest suspects.”
Superintendent James Collis said: “We would also like to thank all the members of the public who contacted us and the officers involved, as the collective response meant this was resolved quickly and efficiently.
“It was an excellent example of quick thinking, the use of social media supported by thorough and professional policing, and working with the public, which promptly led to a great result.”
Sussex Police said: “The issue of court security is a matter for GEO Amey, which is contracted by Ministry of Justice to provide the prisoner escort and custody service.”
GEO Amey and Sussex Police are carrying out investigations into Qatramiz’s escape today.
