A FLINTSHIRE man who escaped from a police car after being arrested has been jailed. 

Christopher Pringle, of Tir Glas, Greenfield, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday (January 17). The 20-year-old had previously admitted one charge of escaping lawful custody. 

Catherine Elvin, prosecuting, said that police had attended reports of a break in at a church in Holywell on November 29, 2023. While officers who attended were dealing with a youth who was suspected to have been involved in the break in, the defendant and two females arrived at the scene. 

The court heard that Pringle was wanted by the police for a breach of a criminal behaviour order, and was therefore arrested at the scene. He was handcuffed and placed into the back of the police car.

As the officers prepared to take Pringle to custody, the defendant's father also attended the scene. The court was told he opened the door of the police vehicle, and Pringle was able to exit the vehicle and flee the via Strand Lane. Police officers attempted to pursue Pringle on foot, searching various properties on the way, but they were unable to locate the defendant. 

At about 3.30pm the following day (November 30), Pringle handed himself in at Llay custody. In police interview, Pringle described it as a "moment of madness", stating that: "I have ADHD, and PTSD from the police and I just went". He added that he wanted to see his baby and ran to woodland, where he slept overnight. 

The court heard that Pringle had seven previous convictions for a total of 18 offences, mainly for public order matters and breaching court orders. In February 2023, Pringle received a 12-week prison sentence for a breach of a criminal behaviour order, which was suspended for 12 months - therefore putting him in breach of the suspended sentence. 

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Oliver King, defending, said Pringle is "absolutely terrified" of going to prison, and that there are inmates at HMP Berwyn who have threatened Pringle over the debts he owes. Mr King added that Pringle's "impulsive" behaviour on the day of the offence is inherent of his personality, as he has ADHD and that he "doesn't think things through". 

He added that there was no violence linked to the offence, and had opportunistically chosen to flee after the police vehicle door was opened. 

Judge Rhys Rowlands said that Pringle had been "wilfully hopeless" on complying with the suspended sentence. He sentenced Pringle to 12 weeks imprisonment - half of which will be served on licence.