Police hunt for fugitive rapist

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Police are continuing to hunt for a convicted rapist who escaped from the dock at Liverpool Crown Court moments after being found guilty.

Byron Toner, 26, vaulted over the front of the dock, ran out of the courtroom and down the fire escape as he waited to be sentenced on Wednesday.

Officers have been searching for Toner, of Culme Road, West Derby, since he fled the building.

A jury had convicted him of rape and unlawful wounding.

Senior police officers have warned members of the public not to approach Toner.

The court heard he raped and repeatedly assaulted his 19-year-old victim between 15 and 16 November 2008.

He then took her to Liverpool's Royal Hospital, where she was treated for more than 58 injuries.

Judge Adrian Lyon refused an application for bail and remanded Toner in custody until 9 November.

As he was led to the cells he jumped over the dock and fled the building.