A CONVICTED rapist's escape from court has made a 'mockery' of the justice system, according to a security expert.

The Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into how Bradley Tout managed to flee Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday.

GEOAmey, which handles security at the court, said one of its custody officers was taken to hospital after they fell over while chasing the 20-year-old.

Tout, of Durham Road, Ronkswood, Worcester, jumped over the dock and sprinted out of the court after he was found guilty of rape.

Richard Allen, director of Maximus Security, in Lowesmoor Terrace, Worcester, said: “Someone was going to do it some day. It’s always been a shambles.

“His escape has highlighted what has been there for many years. There should be security personnel within the court room. Solicitors and clerks are not paid to do security work.

"I've been in crown courts and magistrates and I've not seen a security guard in the court room. They have two or three security guards for the whole building."

Mr Allen, aged 37, said he would improve security by having stricter searches at the building's entrance and a guard in each court room.

He added that he would also introduce a lock-down procedure to ensure that no one leaves the court when a security alarm goes off.

The director said that although he did not want to comment on the details of Tout's escape, he thought it made a 'mockery' of the justice system.

A spokesman for Robin Walker, Worcester’s MP, said the politician was shocked by the incident.

Mr Walker has had a police briefing on the progress of the investigation into Tout's whereabouts.

He has raised the matter with the Ministry of Justice to ensure it looks into security at the court to prevent another escape.

Tout, who is still on the run, was sentenced in his absence and jailed for seven and a half years on Thursday.

A spokesman for Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service said: “Public protection is our priority and incidents like this are extremely rare. All are taken seriously and a full investigation is underway. It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Anyone who spots Tout can call 999 quoting incident 474s of October 3.