Three men try to escape after jumping the dock at Leeds Crown Court

The trio jumped the dock shortly after midday on Thursday, March 19, but were arrested a short time later.

Thomas Stewart, 29, of Potternewton Crescent, Leeds and Jordan Eggett, 27, of Ouzelwell Road, Dewsbury, had both been found guilty of one count of robbery and two counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

Thomas Dent, 30, of Holdforth Gardens, Leeds, was guilty of two counts of robbery and two counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said the men were arrested "within minutes" of their escape.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "At 12.18pm ton Thursday, March 19, police responded to an incident where three defendants had escaped from Leeds Crown Court.

"Officers searched the area and detained all three men a short time later.

"They have been taken in police custody to be dealt with for the offences."