Was not allowed to kiss his partner - and tried to flee the courthouse

Stephen Keith Edwards, 29, tried to flee a courthouse in Tasmania after his request to kiss his partner goodbye was denied. He was caught after a violent struggle with police, struck two officers, and was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

Stephen Keith Edwards, 29, attempted to escape from the Burnie Magistrates Court in Tasmania after his request to kiss his partner goodbye was rejected by the judge. The incident occurred on December 6, 2025, after Edwards had pleaded guilty to escaping custody and assaulting police. He opened a door, ran past officers and left the courtroom, but was caught in the courthouse foyer after a violent struggle. During the struggle, which was captured on body cameras, he struck two police officers in the face and pushed a security guard. The judge described the event as a "significant struggle" and ruled that the assault on the officers was serious. Even after being caught, Edwards continued to resist and was only subdued after the use of pepper spray. He was also convicted of theft, burglary, and assault, and was sentenced to 14 months in prison, starting from November 7, 2025. His later request to hug his partner and their infant was also denied.