A 25-year-old man fled from a court just weeks after being sentenced for spitting at two female detectives in a Brighton court.
Now Sussex Police are trying to find the missing defendant, Matthew Johnson, 25, a roofer, of Hillside Avenue, Broadwater, Worthing.
The force said: “Police are asking for the public’s help to trace 25-year-old Matthew Johnson from Worthing who is wanted after he fled court on Tuesday (9 May).
“Johnson is described as white, with blond hair, 5ft 10in and of muscular build.”
Last month Johnson was given a one-year conditional discharge after being found guilty of spitting at Detective Constable Rebecca Hazzard and Detective Constable Kirsty Murray in Brighton.
He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £620 and a £20 victim surcharge.
The offence took place at Brighton Magistrates’ Court last summer. And last month Johnson was sentenced at Worthing Magistrates’ Court for assaulting two constables in the execution of their duty.
He is alleged to have attacked a woman, leaving her in need of hospital treatment.
He is due to stand trial for assault by beating, assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH), sexual assault, criminal damage caused by smashing a woman’s mobile phone, harassment, putting the woman in question in fear of violence, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
When caught, Johnson is expected to be kept in custody until he can be brought before Lewes Crown Court.
Sussex Police said: “Anyone who sees Johnson or knows of his whereabouts should call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 657 of 09/05.
“Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via https://crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555111.”
