A man who leapt the dock and escaped court said he "almost could not believe no one was following him."
Nicholas Bunclark was jailed on Tuesday, January 3, for 16 months after being convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. It followed an attack at a hostel on Leyland Road in Southport on November 19, 2021.
But soon after the judge made his sentencing remarks Bunclark, of St Oswald's Lane in Netherton, vaulted the gate out of the unsecured dock at Liverpool Crown Court as he was being led to the cells. He then went on the run.
READ MORE: Van crashes after being chased by police down main road
The 30-year-old didn't go missing for long as he handed himself into Copy Lane Police Station in Bootle on Wednesday. He appeared back in court again today where he pleaded guilty to escape from lawful custody.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how officers and court staff, who did not know what had happened in the courtroom, were "unaware he was wanted at that stage". Chris Taylor, prosecuting, said Bunclark "took advantage of the unenclosed area".
There was "no violence" from the 30-year-old and before escaping court he took off his glasses off and wore his coat and calmly walked out the building via the Liverpool One exits. Mr Taylor said it was understood the reason the dad fled court was so he could speak to his family.
He said: "Bunclark wanted to speak to his girlfriend and daughter and in his panic ran away to make those arrangements."
The court heard Bunclark "almost could not believe no one was following him" after he escaped. After this, he got a train to Southport. Nicola Daley, defending, told the court that after this, Bunclark "did not really know what to do" and went to speak to family.
The next day, on Wednesday, January 4, the dad handed himself to police where he was remanded into custody. He then appeared in court again today where he remained in handcuffs.
Ms Daley said the defendant told her it was a "moment of madness" and in his previous sentencing for assault, the court heard Bunclark had "suffered both mental and physical illness in current years". She added the 30-year-old apologised to court staff and the judge for his escape.
He also said sorry to his family "for bringing more attention on them" after the incident. Bunclark was sentenced to a further four months in prison which is to run consecutively to the 16 month sentence given to the defendant on Tuesday for assault.
In his sentencing remarks judge Byrne said: "This was a very serious offence and imprisonment is the only option to act as a deterrent." He added this was an "opportunistic and impulsive decision" and the fact Bunclark handed himself in was a "strong mitigating matter".
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read next:
Men beaten, burned and starved after being chained to radiators
Live updates as police close road after crash
Mum who lost eight stone shares diet tips that actually work
Family 'struggling to come to terms' with loss of couple in helicopter crash
Peter Kay fans conned out of £380 for Liverpool M&S Arena tickets
