An individual incarcerated for a prolonged period managed to break free from custody with the assistance of a female accomplice after engaging in romantic relationships with two prison staff members.
Harri Pullen, a gang member, had reportedly been involved in romantic affairs with a female prison officer and a jail nurse while serving a four-year sentence. During a hospital visit while still in handcuffs, the 27-year-old orchestrated a bold escape, fleeing through the hospital’s parking lot and then being whisked away by a female driver.
The accomplice, Sian Bates, 42, drove her Mercedes B150 to the hospital, allowing Pullen to jump into the passenger seat before speeding away from the scene. Subsequently, Pullen evaded capture for nearly a week following his escape.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Pullen contacted his mother during the hospital visit, then made a run for it after requesting a restroom break. Bates, a family friend from Bettws, Newport, admitted to aiding a fugitive. Her lawyer, David Maunder, explained that she was vulnerable and struggling with drug addiction at the time.
In sentencing Bates, Judge Vanessa Francis emphasized the severity of assisting a prisoner in escaping custody, hindering the course of justice. Bates received a suspended four-month prison sentence and a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Earlier reports stated that Pullen was apprehended after a few days on the run, found hiding at a remote farmhouse. Additionally, former prison nurse Elyse Hibbs was previously sentenced for an inappropriate relationship with Pullen during his incarceration.
Another staff member, Ruth Shmylo, lost her job as a prison officer due to allegations of a romantic involvement with Pullen. However, she was acquitted of any criminal charges following a trial.
Pullen’s latest escape occurred when he was arrested for drug dealing on an e-bike and taken to a hospital for examination while still in handcuffs. Seizing the opportunity, Pullen sprinted through the hospital grounds and boarded a waiting vehicle to flee the scene.
After a pursuit, Pullen was eventually tracked down at a farm where he attempted another escape but was apprehended by police with the aid of a taser and a police dog.
Described as immature and dealing with hypochondria, Pullen’s defense lawyer, Julia Cox, highlighted that his escape was impulsive rather than premeditated. Pullen later pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including drug possession with intent to distribute, dangerous driving, and escaping lawful custody, resulting in a six-year prison sentence.
Overall, the case highlighted the serious consequences of aiding a prisoner in escaping custody and the subsequent legal ramifications faced by all involved parties.
