A man is back behind bars after being found hiding in a Premier Inn hotel while on the run.
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 June 21 last year. Weeks later, he was spotted by officers travelling in a blue VW Golf on July 22, in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Driver Anton Verigotta, of Hardman Street, Failsworth, then started driving dangerously through the city centre when he noticed the officers. After a police chase, the car was brought to a stop and Phythian and Verigotta ran from the car.
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The MEN reports that a search of the car resulted in crack cocaine and heroin being seized (around £7,000 worth) along with large amounts of cash. Verigotta was found by police and arrested but Phythian remained on the run for another month.
He was finally arrested at the Premier Inn hotel, in Hettersley in Tameside on August 25. 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 was determined to do all he could to prevent being caught. With assistance from Verigotta, he was quickly back in the organised crime game, supplying class A drugs for a profit.
"Another drug dealer has been put behind bars, however it also serves as a warning to criminals already serving a sentence. If you flee, do not think you will simply go back to prison to serve your current sentence, you will receive extra jail time for escaping lawful custody."
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