Man makes dash for freedom from Dandenong court, with police, officials giving chase

A MAN has made a mad dash for freedom, hot footing it out of a Melbourne court as he was about to be taken into custody. But his escape bid didn’t end well. See the dramatic photos

Paul Boxhall decided to do a runner from Dandenong Court but was rapidly chased down by police and returned to court. Picture: Mark Wilson

IT was a bolshie attempt at a great escape but in the end he was gone for just 60 seconds.

And that mad minute dash for freedom today cost Paul Boxhall a month behind bars with a magistrate trebling his original 14 day sentence.

Boxhall wasn’t having a bar of it after being handed the two week term, hot footing it out of court as he was about to be taken into custody.

Catch me if you can! Paul Boxhall decides to do a runner from Dandenong Court. Picture: Mark Wilson

In a hurry: Boxhall takes off down the road. Picture: Mark Wilson

The 22-year-old had been flanked by two police officers but had no trouble giving them the slip. Once outside the courtroom he bolted through a host of bystanders before sprinting past a team of security personnel and launching himself out of Dandenong Magistrates Court.

Stunned onlookers watched on as Boxhall gave his all in the amateur prison break attempt.

Hot on his tail was Sgt Luke Holmes who had been in court for unrelated matters but gave chase after the alarm was raised.

Not so fast! Victoria Police Sergeant Luke Holmes takes off after Boxhall in hot pursuit. Picture: Mark Wilson

Gotcha! Police and court officials return Boxhall to court. Picture: Mark Wilson

Boxhall’s dash for freedom was slowed after he ran into traffic, giving Sgt Holmes and a host of others time to catch him.

He made it about 300m before being captured, suffered a blow to his head during his arrest, and was returned to court in handcuffs.

“He went the wrong way, silly mistake,” one local quipped.

“If he had gone the other way, he’d still be running. They never would have got him.”

Boxhall smiles for the camera — soon after his sentence was increased. Picture: Mark Wilson

Bohall was charged with a single count of escaping lawful custody and was hauled before magistrate Jack Vandersteen late yesterday afternoon.

He pleaded guilty and had his sentence increased to 45 days.

[e-mail]

@s_deery