Dangerous Offender Escapes Prisoner's Box and Assaults Crown Attorney During Court Proceeding

A 30-year-old man in court for a dangerous offender hearing is facing an assault charge against a Crown attorney, despite being in shackles, escaped the prisoner’s box and made their attack during court proceedings at the Superior Court (470 Water St.) on Feb. 17.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At approximately 11:20 am, the accused, who was in leg shackles, jumped out of the prisoner box and assaulted the Crown Attorney. Special Constables in the courtroom quickly subdued the prisoner and took him into custody. He was returned to the Central East Correctional Centre. The Crown Attorney did not require medical attention.

As a result of the investigation, a Judge’s Order was obtained to bring the male back to court on Wednesday, at which time he was charged with assault.

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court for a bail hearing on Wednesday.

“As the organization responsible for courtroom safety, the issue of the prisoner box in this courtroom has been an ongoing concern,” said Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service. I have expressed my concern about the court facilities here on more than one occasion. Collectively, we are pleased that a temporary remedy, in the form of a box with plexiglass has been agreed upon, it is, nevertheless, concerning that an incident such as this was able to happen before this action was taken. I am pleased that our Special Constables, performing court security, were able to intervene and gain control of the individual before any serious injury occurred.”

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