On the run: Leeds blackmailer flees after court sends him to jail

Police have made an urgent appeal to trace Leon Brown, who escaped from Leeds Combined Court in the city centre earlier today.

Brown, 26 from the Chapeltown area of Leeds, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for breach of a community order relating to a blackmail offence.

He escaped shortly after the sentencing at 10.30 this morning.

He is described as a black man, aged 26 years old, 6ft tall and of a stocky build. He was wearing blue jeans, a khaki jacket and a blue t-shirt when he left the building. He lives in Chapeltown and also has links to the Gipton area.

Anyone who sees Leon Brown is asked not to approach him and to dial 999 immediately.