A CROWN court jury was told Peter Jones tried to help the escape of a man who slashed two police officers across the face, near High Wycombe.

Jones, 31, of Dawes Court, Iver, denied perverting the course of justice when he appeared at Reading Crown Court on Thursday.

The court heard he and Peter Sabba defied a massive police search, which involved a helicopter and armed officers, to help their friend Bernard Pillay escape.

Pillay, 24, was captured and recently jailed after admitting two counts of wounding with intent.

The jury heard Sabba would play no part in these proceedings.

Michael Wood, prosecuting, told the jury that Sabba and Jones assisted Pillay, knowing he was wanted by police.

The court heard how a VW caravanette belonging to a teacher was taken by Pillay from outside a social club in Bourne End.

Mr Wood alleged he must have had accomplices who drove him to the scene of the theft.

Mr Wood said that at about 11.30pm, PCs David Lowe and Matthew Pringle were on duty in a marked police car when they saw and followed the caravanette on to the slip-road of the M40 at Loudwater. It was followed by a C-reg Vauxhall Astra.

The police stopped the caravanette on the slip road and the Astra continued towards London.

The court heard that Pillay slashed the faces of the two officers, leaving PC Lowe needing 62 stitches and PC Pringle needing 39 stitches.

The jury then heard how Pillay persuaded the landlady of the Mother Red Cap public house to call Sabba to pick him up.

Mr Wood told the court a police helicopter captured the pick-up on thermal imaging equipment and the Astra was stopped shortly afterwards.

All three men were arrested on a nearby industrial estate.

The knife, stained with one officer's blood, together with a blooded bar towel from the pub, were found in the Astra.

On his arrest, Jones, told police he had been drinking all afternoon and evening.

He said he remembered Sabba's mobile telephone ringing and added he guessed it was to pick up Pillay.

Mr Wood told the court: "It must have been obvious that Pillay was not out for a stroll by the M40, but wanted by police."

The case continues.

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