Rapist escapes court after leaping from dock

A man leapt from the dock of a court and escaped custody just minutes after being convicted of rape, police said today.

Byron Toner, 26, had been found guilty of repeatedly assaulting a 19-year-old woman during a five-hour attack.

His two-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court was told he left his victim with 58 injuries, including a broken jaw.

Toner, of Culme Road, West Derby, Liverpool, was remanded in custody by Judge Adrian Lyon following the guilty verdict yesterday afternoon.

But as a security guard stood to escort him to the cells, Toner jumped out of the dock and ran out of the third-floor courtroom.

He then fled the building through a fire escape.

Merseyside Police said he took a taxi to the Walton area of the city.

A spokesman said: "Toner has been convicted of rape and a violent assault and police are urging anybody who does see him not to approach him."

Anybody who knows Toner's whereabouts should contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers on 088 555 111.