A man who had just been sentenced to three years hard labour ran out of the San Fernando Magistrates Court today, moments before officers could put handcuffs on him.
Russel Thomas and his twin brother Roston Thomas, 27, were sentenced to three years hard labour by Magistrate Margaret Alert for armed robbery in 2012. Both men were out on bail for the robbery. The incident occurred around 1.15pm.
In court today, Alert told the brothers, both from Nicholas Lane, San Juan, the maximum penalty for their crime was five years hard labour. She then sentenced them to three years hard labour each.
Witnesses told the T&T Guardian that the men immediately began pleading for a lesser sentence, but Alert told them her decision was final.
As Courts and Process Officer PC Burnette stepped forward to handcuff the brothers, Ruston began struggling. Russel took the opportunity to sprint out of the courtroom, down a flight stairs, past astonished MTS security officers and disappear into San Fernando.
Ruston was subdued by officers and taken to the holding bay beneath the courtroom. The search for Russel continues.
