Newcastle man jailed for causing major disruption at city centre hospital after trying to escape from police

Joe Mills was arrested but transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle after it was suspected he had drugs concealed within his body earlier this year. Newcastle Crown Court heard he was waiting to be seen by a doctor but was effectively still under police detention when he tried to do a runner.

Prosecutor Matthew Hopkins said Mills attempted to escape via a ledge which had a steep drop on the other side but he was caught before being able to properly make off. Mills, who had 29 previous offences on his record, also found himself in trouble for ripping off an ankle tag in January of this year, which was in place for curfew conditions relating to separate offences.

The 27-year-old, of Millfield Road, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to escape from custody and damaging property. The court heard Mills had tried to break free via the ledge but was apprehended shortly afterwards. As a result, a cordon had to be erected close to the wall and disruption was caused to staff.

Mr Recorder Jonathan Sandiford sentenced him to seven months behind bars. He told him: "You have a growing criminal record but I have to sentence you for damaging property which was a bail tag which was only around two to three pound.

"You were at the RVI because you were due to be seen by a doctor because people said you had some drugs on you. You effectively escaped from the police officers who had custody of you. You didn't go very far. The real effect of the offence is the disruption you caused at a major city centre hospital."

John Crawford, defending, told the court that Mills had been staying in custody since his arrest. Recorder Sandiford told Mills it was likely he would be released imminently given the time spent on remand.