ONE of two men who bolted from the Subordinate Courts' lock-up in Jun was sentenced to 20 years' preventive detention and 24 strokes of the cane on Friday.

Jamaluddin Salam, 32, had pleaded guilty last month to escaping from lawful custody. He had also admitted to committing robbery with hurt, injuring a public servant, drug consumption and vandalism.

Flanked by five police officers, the burly man was hauled into court with shackles binding his hands and feet.

He wore a worried frown on his brow.

In passing sentence, District Judge Sarjit Singh said, 'You have not shown any remorse and you are a menace to society.'

Preventive detention, meant for repeat offenders, can last between seven and 20 years, with no prospects for early release.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Benjamin Yim told the court that Jamaluddin was found fit for preventive detention as he had 'gone back to his old ways' following his previous convictions for robbery and drug possession.

He was released in Jul 2006 after serving a 12 1/2 years jail term and 24 lashes of the cane for those offences.

On Jun 11, Salman Abu Samah, 29, and Jamaluddin were in the same cell in the basement of the Havelock Square court complex waiting for a court hearing.

It was there that Jamaluddin suggested to Salman that they make a run for it.

Jamaluddin asked for a drink of water from a police officer who opened the cell gate. Salman and Jamaluddin then punched him repeatedly before escaping from the cell.

They made their way through the courts' public area before Salman was arrested at the main entrance after a struggle.

Jamaluddin was caught by auxiliary police officers from Certis Cisco and policemen from Central Police Division some 50m away, near the Family Court.

Salman was sentenced to 12 years' corrective training and given the maximum of 24 strokes last week.