KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man who escaped police custody at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court in September last year, injuring a female police officer in the process, was on Tuesday sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at hard labour.

The accused, Shamarie Johnson, had been in police custody in connection with an assault matter.

According to a report read in court by the investigating officer, the incident occurred on September 26, 2024. He recounted that, while making his way to the holding area, he heard people shouting, “Catch the prisoner!” and “The prisoner escaped!”

Upon arriving at court room seven, where Johnson had been sent, he realised the prisoner was missing.

During his escape, Johnson reportedly pushed and injured a female police officer.

Police officers chased Johnson along Maxfield Avenue, where he was eventually apprehended. He was later charged with escaping custody and assault occasioning bodily harm.

Johnson pleaded guilty to the charges on November 20, 2024.

In court, Johnson’s attorney explained that his client fled because he was terrified at the prospect of being remanded by the judge.

“The circumstances were aggravating,” said presiding judge Sanchia Burrell. “You were before a judge in the criminal court, and you were there on a warrant, which means that you have shown scant regard for your obligations to the court.”

Judge Burrell further remarked that Johnson’s decision to run from the court demonstrated a refusal to submit to its jurisdiction.

Although his early guilty plea reduced the sentence from 12 to five months, Burrell imposed a six-month sentence at hard labour due to the serious nature of his actions.

— Vanassa McKenzie