A convicted rapist has escaped from a court moments after being jailed for burglary.

Paul Reid, 24, vaulted the dock at Snaresbrook Crown Court in north London.

He then ran out of the back of the courtroom through the entrance reserved for judges.

Reid passed within feet of a startled Judge Judith Hughes as he escaped.

Reid had just been sentenced to two years in prison for burglary when he fled.

Police advice

Earlier this year, he escaped from a magistrates court while appearing for a breach of licence but was later recaptured.

After running out of court, Reid was spotted on railway tracks near Snaresbrook underground station.

Police, using dogs, have launched a hunt for him.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "He is not considered dangerous but the public are advised not to approach him."

Reid is described as black, 5 ft 10 ins tall and thick set.

He was wearing combat trousers and a dark sweatshirt.