Man fleeing courtroom causes heated debate about handcuffs

The Queenslander facing domestic violence charges was not handcuffed to stay in the room when he appeared on Thursday, and therefore was able to escape the dock and run free.

The jumping offender had to again face court on Saturday for assaulting an officer and escaping custody. He is now being remanded in custody but the incident caused quite a stir in the court.

It has sparked an argument of when the Magistrate should handcuff the accused before the hearings.

“It’s really important in our court system that the advice of police, who are at the front line of public safety, needs to be taken on board by the government,” John-Paul Langbroek told reporters (Channel Nine).

The man will re-appear in court in Janurary.