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Lewis Guess, from Thanet, arrested after fleeing Canterbury Crown Court

By: Millie Bowles mbowles@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 15:44, 10 April 2024

Updated: 11:54, 11 April 2024

A burglar who went on the run after jumping from the dock in court has been arrested alongside two others accused of aiding his escape.

Lewis Guess had been warned when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on April 4 that jail awaited him.

Lewis Guess, who has links to the Thanet area, was wanted on a court warrant. Picture: Kent Police

But as Judge Simon Taylor KC began to pass sentence, the 26-year-old, from Broadstairs, complained of feeling ill as he sat in the dock.

Guess, of Chandos Square, is then said to have asked for a drink of water and, having distracted the dock officer, jumped over the dock and bolted out the courtroom door.

During the melee at court, Guess, who had been on bail ahead of the hearing, knocked a jug of water over a Crown Prosecution Service representative.

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A most wanted appeal was launched by police, with people urged to call 999 if they saw him.

Officers confirmed on Wednesday an arrest had been made earlier that day after Guess was located at a house in Herne Bay.

They are no longer seeking information to find him and he is in custody awaiting a hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

He has since been charged with escaping from lawful custody and possession of cannabis.

Two further people have been charged and will also appear in court later this month.

Matthew Guess, 45, also of Chandos Square, is alleged to have purchased a SIM card as well as arranged transportation, food and housing.

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Billy Barfoot, 38, of Reculver Road, Herne Bay, is alleged to have transported and housed the defendant.

Both men have been released on bail to attend Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on April 25.

Despite the sudden and unexpected disappearance, Judge Taylor sentenced Lewis Guess in his absence to 15 months' imprisonment.

He is yet to be sentenced for the alleged escape from lawful custody.

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