A court escapee has been jailed along with his father who helped while he was “on the run”.
Lewis Guess was at Canterbury Crown Court on April 4 when, as a judge was about to hand down a sentence for burglary, he vaulted the dock gate and sprinted from the building.
The same court heard today the 26-year-old complained his mouth was dry and requested water, but made a dash while the dock officer’s back was turned.
“Court security chased him as did some police officers who happened to be at court on unrelated matters,” prosecutor Ben Wild said.
“But they were unable to catch him and Mr Guess ran away towards the centre of town.”
The court heard how Lewis Guess, of Chandos Square, Broadstairs, then boarded a train from Canterbury West Railway Station to his hometown, where he was met by his father, Matthew Guess, 45.
“Matthew Guess topped up Lewis’ phone, did some shopping for him, made some takeaway orders on his behalf, and called Billy Barfoot (a family friend) to tell him Lewis was in need of assistance,” continued the prosecutor.
“The next day police issued an appeal and his picture was published online by local media outlets including KentOnline.”
Billy Barfoot, 38, was, like Matthew Guess, sentenced today for assisting an offender, while Lewis was sentenced for escape.
All three men had indicated guilty pleas at a prior appearance in magistrates court.
Mr Wild said even though Barfoot, of Reculver Road, Herne Bay, saw Lewis Guess “all over the media”, he housed the escaped convict at his home.
Police arrested the pair at Barfoot’s home on April 10 and, after another brief attempt to flee, Guess surrendered to officers saying: “Okay, you’ve got me”.
Matthew Guess, also of Chandos Square, Broadstairs, was taken into custody the same day.
Mitigating for Lewis Guess, Ian Bond said his client’s ill-fated escape was unplanned and was motivated by a fear of going to jail.
“In the four months that he had served previously, he was bullied quite badly – he had a tin of baked beans thrown at the side of his face.
“He was very very frightened about going into custody and when it occurred to him that was likely to happen, he didn’t think it through, he just jumped the dock.”
Representing Matthew Guess, lawyer Kerry Waite said his client was of good character and argued he was initially unaware his son had escaped court.
“It was only when he was picked up that he was told what was happening,” explained Mr Waite. “Afterwards he repeatedly urged his son to hand himself in.”
Speaking for Barfoot, lawyer Edmund Body said his client’s behaviour was an isolated incident.
“It was out of character for Mr Barfoot, and he is somewhat naïve,” said Mr Body.
“He accepts what he did on that day was very stupid and describes himself as a loyal individual.
“Mr Barfoot is a family man. He cares for four children and his partner is dependant on that care.
“If he faces an immediate custodial sentence [his partner] will lose her job.”
Lewis Guess attended court dressed in a grey t-shirt, Mathew Guess in a white t-shirt and Barfoot in a short-sleeve white button-down.
They were supported by friends and family in the public gallery, some of whom began crying as the men’s sentences were delivered.
Speaking directly to Lewis Guess, Judge Mark Weekes said: “I’m satisfied there was no planning, and that [jumping the dock] was a spontaneous act.
“But you attempted to lay low thereafter and there’s no evidence you intended to hand yourself in.”
Turning to the man’s co-defendants the judge added: “Both of you were assisting a known offender to avoid his just deserts.
“This was serious misconduct and a message must go out from this court: those who do try to assist others in escaping, will be punished.”
Barfoot could be seen wiping tears from his eyes as his sentence was delivered.
In an “act of mercy for [his] wife and children” Judge Weekes handed Barfoot a suspended custodial sentence of four months, suspended for 12 months.
He is to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, attend 20 rehabilitation sessions and complete a one-month, electronically monitored curfew from 8pm to 6am.
Matthew Guess was given an immediate custodial sentence of four months, while his son, Lewis, was handed down a five-month jail term to run consecutively to the sentence he is currently serving for burglary.
As he was led away by dock officers, Lewis Guess shouted: “I’m sorry, mum.”
