Runaway to stand trial for seven child sex offences

Daryl Taylor, 33, will stand trial on 3 February, having been charged with seven child sex offences

A man who fled a hospital while in police custody after being arrested and charged with child sex offences is set to stand trial next year.

Daryl Taylor appeared at Ipswich Crown Court via video link on Friday charged with seven sex offences involving children and escaping from lawful custody.

The 33-year-old pleaded not guilty to all seven sex offence charges but admitted absconding Ipswich Hospital while under arrest on 11 August.

Judge Emma Peters said Mr Taylor, who is of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area, would stand trial on 3 February, with the hearing expected to last five days.

After escaping police custody, a manhunt was launched, with Crimestoppers offering a £5,000 reward for anyone with information relating to Mr Taylor’s whereabouts.

Three days later he was detained in Rendlesham before police also arrested three other men on suspicion of assisting an offender.