Escaped prisoner on the run narrowly avoids capture in a drug-filled car... he then went to a Premier Inn

A man who was wanted by police is back behind bars after he was arrested in a Premier Inn.

A manhunt was launched to find Gavin Phythian, 31, of no fixed address, when he failed to return to HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington on Tuesday 21 June 2022.

However, a few weeks later, he was spotted by a plain-clothed police officer travelling in a blue VW Golf on Friday 22 July 2022 on Manchester Road in Ashton-under-Lyne. The driver, Anton Verigotta, of Hardman Street, Failsworth, saw police and began to drive dangerously through the town centre to flee the officers.

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A pursuit took place until the vehicle was intercepted and brought to a stop. The pair abandoned the car on Richmond Street and fled.

A search of the car resulted in crack cocaine and heroin being seized along with large amounts of cash. Police said the drugs were worth £7,000.

Verigotta was found by police a short time later and arrested however Phythian remained on the run for another month.

He was finally arrested at the Premier Inn hotel, on Hettersley in Tameside on Thursday 25 August. The pair appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday to be sentenced after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Phythian was sentenced to three years and one month for escaping lawful custody and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine. Verigotta was sentenced to four years and eight months for dangerous driving, money laundering and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

PC Dan Metcalfe, of GMP’s Tameside Challenger organised crime team, said: “Phythian knew he was wanted by police when he failed to return to HMP Thorn Cross yet