Rapist fled court building in cab

Officers have warned members of the public not to approach Toner

A convicted rapist who fled the dock in Liverpool escaped from outside the court in a taxi, police have revealed.

Byron Toner, 26, vaulted over the front of the dock, ran out of the courtroom and down the fire escape after being convicted on 21 October.

He got into a bronze-coloured Hackney cab in Hanover Street, which later dropped him off in Walton.

Toner remains at large and Merseyside Police are now offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Det Ch Insp Neil Cowdrey, said: "We know that he was dropped off near to Larkhill shops in Walton and would like to hear from anyone who has seen him since the 21 October to come forward as information they have could be vital in tracing him.

Byron Toner has been convicted of two very serious offences and we want to ensure he is put back before the courts so that justice can be done Det Ch Insp Neil Cowdrey

"We are offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to his re-arrest and conviction - someone out there knows where he is and I would urge them to come forward.

"Byron Toner has been convicted of two very serious offences and we want to ensure he is put back before the courts so that justice can be done."

Toner is known to have links to Aigburth, Old Swan, Anfield and Kirkdale.

He is described as white, 5ft 9ins to 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build with short, black hair. At the time of his escape he was wearing a dark blue pinstripe suit.

Bail refused

Toner, of Culme Road, West Derby, was convicted by a jury of rape and unlawful wounding.

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.