Manhunt underway after suspect escapes courtroom
Jason McInerney escaped on Friday morning
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Friday, 14, Mar 2008 07:30
Police are searching for a suspected would-be murderer who escaped from a courtroom in Reading this morning.
Jason McInerney, 20, managed to escape from Reading crown court at around 10:45 GMT while standing trial for attempted murder.
According to reports he fled the scene after giving a pursuing prosecutor the slip. Police are warning members of the public not to approach him but instead contact police "urgently" on 999 if they establish his whereabouts.
Thames Valley police said a police officer injured during the incident was taken to Royal Berkshire hospital where he was suffering facial injuries.
Two others also tried to escape at the same time but were both detained, a statement added.
Mr McInerney is standing trial for allegedly shooting a bridgegroom's upper thigh in a wedding reception, in what prosecutors say was an attempt at "sexual mutilation". He had denied the charge.
"Extensive searches are being carried out for McInerney and neighbouring forces have been alerted," Thames Valley police said.