Prisoner flees from Cork court

A prisoner escaped from Cork District Court today, the second escape from the building in recent times.

The 17-year-old defendant, who cannot be named because he is a juvenile, was arrested last night and charged with driving a stolen car in Blarney, Co Cork.

He also faced older charges of driving stolen cars on three occasions between February and August.

The defendant was brought to court room number two and had his handcuffs removed. He was placed in the seating area normally used for prisoners.

Judge Con O'Leary was not sitting at the time but was due to start the court.

At that point, the accused made a run for it using the main access door. Once he was on Anglesea St he fled towards the city centre, pursued by Inspector Charlie Barry and two gardai.

Later in court, Inspector Barry told Judge O'Leary that the defendant had fled and the Judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Earlier this year a prisoner fled from court room number one while the court was in session. He was arrested a few days later.