Banged up: Fleeing Wolverhampton criminal didn’t want Christmas in jail
A serial criminal, who did not want to spend Christmas in jail and fled in handcuffs after being arrested by police, was back behind bars today.
Brett Johnson had a warrant out for his arrest when spotted by an officer in the Wolverhampton city centre branch of Primark on December 22.
The 28-year-old was detained and put in handcuffs before being walked through the city to nearby Bilston Street police station, the city's Crown Court was told.
But as the pair went up the ramp to the main entrance to the buildingJohnson made a run for it. He sprinted along the tram lines before jumping down into the subway where the pursing policeman lost sight of him, said Miss Joanne Barker, prosecuting.
Police dogs and the force helicopter joined the search which led to a garden where they found the discarded handcuffs but not the missing prisoner.
Stupidity
But Johnson's luck ran out on Christmas Eve when he was seen in the city centre's Stafford Street by a patrolling police officer and arrested.
This time there was no escape for the 28-year-old who had 37 previous convictions involving 82 separate offences.
Mr John Roe, defending, said: "He escaped in a moment of stupidity. He was panicking over being in prison over Christmas. He was struggling with drugs and life in general, saw an opportunity and took it.
"He has been a long time drug abuser but since his arrest and remand in custody has made positive steps forward. He is being weaned off drugs and is rebuilding bridges with his family."
Johnson, of Wellington Road, Bilston, pleaded guilty to escaping from lawful custody and was jailed for six months.
Judge Michael Challinor said: "You are not someone who commits serious offences. You are a prolific low level offender.
"The real challenge is what you do on release. You want to deal with your drug problem and stay out of trouble - although I expect you have said that before."
