A MAN in custody allegedly escaped through a toilet window at Derry’s Altnagelvin Hospital, the High Court heard yesterday.
Police had to deploy a helicopter as part of an hour-long chase which resulted in Nathan Canning’s recapture last week, prosecutors said.
The 21-year-old, of Earhart Park in the city, was refused bail amid claims he could re-offend or fail to surrender.
Canning is charged with escaping from lawful custody on September 6.
Crown lawyer Iryna Kennedy said he was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital’s A&E Department while in police custody for a separate matter.
The court heard that as Canning waited for treatment he informed an officer that he needed to go to the toilet.
Police removed his handcuffs so he could use the bathroom while they waited outside the cubicle.
“I’m told he escaped through a window and made off in the direction of the Belt Road,” Ms Kennedy said.
Police pursued Canning on foot before losing sight of him as he ran though gardens, it was claimed.
“Ultimately they radioed for assistance and the police helicopter had to be deployed tor recapture him,” the barrister added.
Canning was then returned to the hospital to resume his treatment.
Defence counsel argued that his client does not pose a flight risk.
But denying bail, Judge Patrick Kinney held there were “clear risks” Canning may not surrender if released.
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