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A solicitor who kidnapped and went on the run with his own baby after assaulting two care workers has been jailed, faces a career in tatters and is unlikely to see his daughter again. Criminal lawyer Jonathan Phillips admitted the crimes at Norwich Crown Court - but claimed he was driven to it by the unfair actions of Norfolk social services and the mistreatment of the seven-month-old by staff at a supervision centre. Judge Paul Downes jailed him for 20 months on Tuesday but the case could not be reported until today after the EDP successfully applied for reporting restrictions to be altered. The court heard how Phillips flew into a rage during a routine trip to visit his daughter at the centre in Norfolk in May. After telling staff not to treat the girl so roughly he grabbed her, punched and pushed the two workers out of the way and ran from the centre. He fled at speed in his car but was traced by police who detected his mobile phone signal and was arrested later that day nearly 125 miles away on the M6 at Birmingham. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been taken into foster care due to concerns over Mrs Phillips' mental health. However, the parents claim they have independent medical evidence suggesting such concerns were misplaced. Phillips, 40, of Lynn Road, Downham Market, said they were continually treated with disrespect throughout proceedings and were growing increasingly desperate over their daughter's welfare. The couple are currently trying to regain custody through a civil action but social services have indicated their intention to have the girl, who remains in foster care, adopted. He pleaded guilty to two charges of ABH and one of kidnap. Prosecutor Nick Methold told the court that Phillips shouted take your hands of my baby seconds before the incident. The staff, one of whom was heavily pregnant, suffered cuts and bruises. Mark Shelley, mitigating, described Phillips as a well respected and popular solicitor who was also a member of the Territorial Army. It was not a planned snatch, it was a culmination of emotions as he could see his daughter slipping away from him, he added.
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