Killer flees court during sentencing

NAKHON PATHOM - The defendant in a murder-robbery case escaped from the provincial courtroom where he was waiting to hear judgement on Friday afternoon.

Jetsada Ramphuengjit, 29, was charged with shooting dead army Pvte Auncha Sangpuk, 23, in Muang district in February this year and stealing his gold chain. He had been taken from the provincial prison to the court for sentencing.

Around 1.15pm, Jetsada jumped over the barrier and ran out of the court still wearing his leg chains, fled to a market about 500 metres away, stole a motorcycle and made good his escape.

Late this afternoon, police were still unable to find him, according to a report in Khaosod online.

Jetsada has previously been sentenced for theft and released. In May 2014, he stole a motorcycle the owner left with the key in the ignition.

He is held responsible for a string of other crimes. In April 2014, he allegedly shot dead two people at a security booth in tambon Don Yai Hom of Muang district and stole their valuables and a gun.

In the same month, he shot and robbed a woman.

In March 2014, he allegedly shot and crucially wounded Somphong Kimha, 43, and took his gold chain near the provincial hall. The same month he also robbed four other people.