This is the face of the man who today leapt out of the dock at Liverpool Crown Court and went on the run.
Nicholas Bunclark was jailed for 16 months this morning, Tuesday, 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.
The ECHO was told that the 30-year-old held his head in his hands after learning his sentence. After a brief interaction with his mum in the public gallery, he was led towards the cells.
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But Bunclark, of St Oswald's Lane in Netherton, is then said to have vaulted the gate out of the unsecured dock. Despite a brief tussle with officers, he managed to escape the courtroom.
It was initially thought that he had subsequently remained within the building, but it is now believed that he absconded in the immediate aftermath. A heightened security presence was seen around the courts afterwards, with patrolling guards also seen keeping watch outside on Derby Square.
Several other cases were adjourned as a result of the incident. The Ministry of Justice confirmed this evening that Bunclark remained at large and said that such breaches of its "strict security measures" were "extremely rare".
A HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesman said: "The strict security measures we have in place ensure escapes from court custody are extremely rare, and our staff and the police are now working together to recapture the offender."
Meanwhile, Merseyside Police said in a statement: "Officers are appealing for help in locating a man who has fled the dock at Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Tuesday, January 3, after being jailed. Nicholas Bunclark, from Liverpool, was sentenced to 16 months for assault at Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon.
"If you see him, recognise him or know where he is, contact us via @MerPolCC on Twitter, Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with reference 369 of Tuesday, January 3."
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