Teenager smashed his way out of court dock

Shane Bright (19) was appearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court in Derby.

After a decision was made to remand him in custody, Bright shouted at magistrates before kicking out a panel from a reinforced glass door and crawling through the gap.

He then rushed passed three security staff, sprinted down a staircase and ran out into the city centre.

But less than 24 hours later, at two in the morning, Bright handed himself in at Bulwell police station.

Solicitor Asif Munir, who sought bail on Bright's behalf, described the dash to freedom.

He said: "When the bail application was refused, he remonstrated, turned his back to the door, kicked through the panel and made his escape."

Bright had been in the dock with a female security guard, who was unhurt.

Several solicitors, who were waiting to represent other suspects, witnessed the escape.

One said: "He's not a very big lad and we didn't think the glass would budge. Then the frame popped out and so did he."

The Victorian court-building was revamped several years ago to provide six courts upstairs – including one with reinforced glass docks to prevent escapes. It was officially reopened in 2004.

It has not yet been revealed whether Bright will face further charges in relation to the escape. The robbery charge relates to an allegation that he stole a mobile phone from a man in Heanor, Derbyshire on Friday September 19.