Police hunt for rapist who vaulted dock and fled courtroom moments after being convicted

Search on for convicted criminal as detectives warn anyone harbouring fugitive will also be arrested

Bradley Tout fled Worcester Crown Court seconds after a jury unanimously convicted him of rape (West Mercia Police)

A manhunt has been launched for a rapist who vaulted the dock and fled court moments after he was convicted of attacking a teenage girl.

Bradley Tout ran from Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday after he was found unanimously guilty by a jury of raping a 16-year-old.

The 20-year-old, of Worcester, was reportedly able to evade capture by several security staff stationed around the building at the time.

Addressing the jury following the criminal's escape, judge Nicolas Cartwright said: “Well, I've never seen anything like that happen before.”

Police have warned that anyone found harbouring Tout would also be committing a criminal offence.

The fugitive is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, with short mousey-brown hair. He was wearing a white top and dark trousers when he escaped from the court.

Superintendent Paul Moxley, of West Mercia Police, said: “We have launched a thorough search for Tout and would urge the public if they see him to contact police immediately.

“Anyone who is knowingly assisting Tout or harbouring him should also expect to be arrested.”

Tout and co-defendant, Kulin Odedra, were found guilty of raping the girl following a two-week trial.

The pair attacked the teenager twice in one evening, once outside Worcester County Hall in Tout's car and a second time in a secluded rural area, the court heard.

A third man, who also faced trial over the incident, was cleared of charges of paying a child for sexual services.

Tout is expected to be sentenced in absence on Thursday if he is not apprehended before the hearing.