A thief ran out of court then embarked upon another shoplifting spree after being told he was being sent back to prison, a court was told today.
Jamil Davies, 34, managed to stay at large for almost two weeks – but has now ended up with an extra four months inside as a result of his getaway.
Prosecuting at Lewes Crown Court today, Naomi Edwards said the escape from Brighton Magistrates Court happened on 25 August after he had pleaded guilty to stealing items from Tesco, Boots, Superdrug and the Co-Op and trying to steal handbags from TK Maxx.
She said: “The magistrates announced their intention to activate a suspended sentence he was still under. The defendant then ran from the dock and out of the courtroom and security were unable to locate him.
“The defendant had been calm and controlled through proceedings, listened to what the bench had explained and asked specifically if he was going to prison and when they said yes, he then left the dock.
“He was arrested on 11 September. At that point, he had committed two of the offences he is before you today for, both thefts from shops.”
During his time on the run, he stole cosmetics from Charlotte Tilbury and candles from Jo Malone, both in East Street.
After he was arrested, he was returned to Brighton Magistrates Court where on 1 October he was sentenced to eight weeks in prison. By November, he was released and stealing from shops in Brighton again.
He stole cosmetics from PureSeoul, toiletries from Superdrug, Pokemon cards from Dave’s Comics, hot water bottles and candles from The White Company and handbags from Russell and Bromley.
Today, Judge Christine Laing was reminded she had previously sentenced him in January for another set of shoplifting charges, many of which took place during the same time period as those he was up for today.
She then sent him to prison for a total of two years and two months for the 17 charges of theft and eight of breaching a criminal behaviour order.
Defending, Jordan Franks said that during his time inside, he had become a model prisoner and was now charged with settling new inmates when they first arrived at HMP Lewes.
He said: “He was working as a painter and decorator for 12 years but as a result of covid was made redundant and then homeless and began socialising with the street community and became addicted to drugs and began stealing to buy drugs.
“That’s why he made off from the dock in Brighton – because having been told he was being sent back to prison, he then knows he cannot get his hands on drugs as easily.
“He panicked and left in order to score drugs and commit further offences in order to have the money to pay for them.”
Judge Laing said: “I cannot tell you how both inspiring and depressing it is when I hear of the good work you are doing in HMP Lewes.
“I know how important the reception wing is and having people like yourself to assist first time prisoners.
“But then to have to deal with you for these offences. Your record is appalling for these offences and bizarrely, keeping you in custody appears to be the only thing stopping you from offending and perhaps helping you by keeping you clear of drugs.
“I’m not stupid, I’m well aware that within prison estate it can be relatively easy to come by drugs. I hope you are avoiding that temptation.
“You are clearly someone capable of much good in your life if you stop offending.
“I have a public duty and I have to look at what I would have given you overall if everything had been before me on the previous occasion.”
She sentenced him to nine months for the thefts, and four months for escaping custody, bringing the total sentence to 13 months.
How can someone escape court when they are locked in the box during the proceedings?
It’s clear that prison isn’t a deterrent enough for him to stop. Because he was out doing exactly the same thing after his 8 weeks in prison last time.
Yes, he’s got a longer sentence. But when he gets released again. I’m sure he’ll be back in the papers once again and facing court proceedings and further prison time, again in the future.
Rehabilitation and support is available in the justice system. But only if the offender wants to change. If they don’t then it’s just a cycle that can’t be broken..
Unfortunately, a story of a cycle often repeated. The problem is how do you change the solution?
If you are hooked on drugs, eight weeks is not a long enough time to get off. Relapses are common. It would appear that this gentleman has been severely impacted by circumstances and seems willing to engage with support services. I wish him all the best for his rehabilitation and returning to being a positive contributor to society. His experiences and insight could be invaluable to preventing others falling into that circle.