Man Bashes Court Staff and Dashes Off with Keys in Bizarre Escape
William Reader caused chaos at Medway Magistrates’ Court on February 12, 2022. During a remand hearing, he assaulted a court officer and fled the building after snatching the keys to the security doors.
Violent Rampage Against Woman and Family
Reader, 26, was arrested days earlier on February 10, facing several charges tied to a violent spree between December 2021 and January 2022. He repeatedly threatened a woman and her family, smashed windows with bricks, slashed car tyres, and launched physical attacks. In one shocking incident, he punched two female victims and a witness who tried to step in.
From Courtroom Escape to Rearrest in Stockton-on-Tees
When refused bail, Reader was being escorted back to his cell. Suddenly, he shoved a court detention officer aside, grabbed the keys, and bolted from the courthouse. He kept police on a two-day manhunt before being caught in Stockton-on-Tees and charged with evading lawful custody.
Jail Time and Restraining Orders for Reader’s Abuse
Back in court at maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone Crown on July 26, Reader pleaded guilty to stalking that caused fear of violence, evading custody, three counts of criminal damage, three assaults, and assaulting an emergency worker.
Judge sentenced him to three-and-a-half years behind bars and slapped restraining orders against two women.
“Reader subjected his victims to repeated and sustained abuse and threats,” said PC Daryl Johnson, who led the investigation. “He harassed me relentlessly, making numerous phone calls and sending unwanted texts. His actions have caused a great deal of distress, fear, and anxiety, with a lasting impact. Thankfully, justice has caught up with him. I hope this sentence brings some peace of mind to those affected by his heinous behaviour.”
