A HACKNEY MAN who escaped from police custody has been found – and sentenced to ten weeks in prison for the offence.
Kevin Brooker, 32, was found and arrested for failing to appear in Court to answer charges relating to the supply of drugs. He told the arresting officers he had just taken some drugs so they took him to Homerton Hospital A&E – from where he escaped custody. Police pulled out all the stops to find him – and he was eventually found in Harwich railway station, having fled London on a train, where he was arrested. He was charged with escaping custody and duly appeared in Court.
Brooker told police that he was happy to be arrested and go back to prison – but they found it hard to believe him. Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, from Hackney CID, said “I do not believe Brooker’s claims that he had a desire to be caught and returned to prison. Since his escape from the hospital, [which was] captured on CCTV, he has altered his appearance significantly, seemingly drawing inspiration from hunted fugitive movies. He cut off all his long hair and never made any attempt to alert authorities as to his whereabouts. He also scrambled on to a train leaving London in a further bid to evade capture.”
The police were pleased to have found the escapee, with DI Ridley warning that, “Robust action will always be taken against people escaping police.” Members of the public who can help police find an escaped criminal should phone the police on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
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