Hospital patient injures police officers during escape bid

A hospital patient who was in police custody attempted to escape and assaulted two police officers in the process. He was detained shortly later after running through a corridor. Sean Montgomery, 22, was being treated at the University Hospital of Wales[1] in Cardiff[2] on September 22.

He was in police custody but had complained of suffering from chest pains. A sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court[3] on Tuesday heard the handcuffs were removed from the defendant while he was being treated. When his jumper was put back on he seized the opportunity to make his escape.

Prosecutor Alice Sykes said the two officers monitoring him attempted to grab hold of him but both became injured in the process. One officer received a split nail and grazes, causing her to bleed, and the second officer was swiped by the hand of the defendant who dug his fingers into the officer's right eye. Montgomery, of Uplands Road, Rumney[6], was arrested and later pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and escaping from lawful custody.

The court heard he has previous convictions for escaping from lawful custody in 2020, when he left Prescoed Prison, and drug offences. The matter for which the defendant was in police custody on September 22 has not been proceeded with. He was recalled to prison for an offence of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and will remain in custody until July 2024.

In mitigation Victoria Maud said her client was intelligent, having gained 10 GCSEs and two A-levels, and is a qualified electrician. Upon his release from prison the defendant wishes to become an HGV driver, which the barrister described as "his dream". Sentencing, Recorder David Elias KC said: "Police officers do a difficult task.

They deserve to be protected during the course of their services." He sentenced Montgomery to four months imprisonment.

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References

1. ^ University Hospital of Wales (www.walesonline.co.uk)
2. ^ Cardiff (www.walesonline.co.uk)
3. ^ Newport Crown Court (www.walesonline.co.uk)
4. ^ Drug dealer found with GBP11,500 of cocaine and knuckleduster avoids prison (www.walesonline.co.uk)
5. ^ Man waved knife at security guard while stealing from supermarket (www.walesonline.co.uk)
6. ^ Rumney (www.walesonline.co.uk)