KEY POINTS:
A defendant took the system by surprise when he bolted for freedom out of Christchurch District Court today.
Police court escort staff and security officers chased him out of the Court House's main front door - the only viable exit from the building - and headed off across Durham Street and into the buildings nearby, Christchurch Court News website reported.
It was understood the young man was being held in custody for an appearance before Judge John Strettell in the main police court.
He had been brought out of the cells and was being put in the dock when he made his bid for freedom.
He was caught after a few minutes on the run and brought back to the Court House under police escort.
- NZPA
