[Tezcatlipoca]

London judge rugby-tackled sex offender

Originally Posted by BBC News

A judge rugby-tackled a sex offender to the ground to prevent him escaping from court, the Old Bailey has heard.

Judge Douglas Marks Moore, 60, grabbed Paul Reid at Woolwich Crown Court last year, the court heard.

Reid, who had allegedly escaped from another court in 2008, tried to flee after giving evidence in his trial, jurors were told.

The 34-year-old, who had been jailed for two years for indecent assault, denies escape and attempted escape.

In December 2008, Reid was given an indeterminate sentence, with a minimum term of two years, at Inner London Crown Court.


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Rupert Gregory, prosecuting, said: "The jury were just leaving when the defendant jumped up and ran across the clerk's bench to get to the judge's door.

"As he went through the door his honour Judge Marks Moore grabbed him round the throat to try to bring him down."

After falling down three steps together Reid broke free but the judge gave chase.

As Reid was about to open a push-handle fire door, Judge Moore rugby-tackled him around the waist and brought him crashing to the ground, landing on top of him.

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