Heathrow Airport Armed Robber Runs from Court
A historical trial began last month at the High Court where a gang of suspected armed robbers were put on trial without a jury. This is the first of its kind in over 400 years, and now the court is missing one of the robbers.
Peter Blake, age 57, went missing after fleeing the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday afternoon. He is one of 4 men on trial for taking part in an armed robbery worth £1.75 million at Heathrow Airport at the beginning of 2004.
Blake and his partners are all on bail and are free to leave the building whenever they want. His escape wasn’t anything dramatic, as he simply didn’t go back to court after the lunch break. However, when they catch him his £250,000 bond will be forfeited. Blake’s passport was surrendered as part of the bail conditions, and all the ports have been notified.
This is the fourth time that the case has been on trial. Because of fears that the jury would be fraudulently persuaded, the trial is now being heard by a single judge.
Flying Squad Detective Superintendent Stuart Cundy said that Blake is considered dangerous and asked that member of the public not approach him. However, if they see him, they are asked to immediately call 999. He is said to have been the only member of the group to fire his gun during the robbery.
Blake is described as white with grey receding hair and blue eyes, standing 5 foot 7 inches. He was last seen wearing a black anorak-style coat and dark trousers.