Prisoner plots hospital escape while in shower

James Whitlock, 39, attempted to flee while being treated in hospital

A prisoner who tried to flee hospital after planning his escape in the shower has had his sentence extended by a year.

James Whitlock was taken to Addenbrooke's in Cambridge after he gained a neck wound at HMP Whitemoor, near March.

Following surgery, the cash machine thief managed to break loose from a chain in the shower and attempted to escape officers, but was detained.

Police said it was "a foolish attempt to escape". The 39-year-old was handed an additional 12 months to his 15-year sentence after admitting attempting to escape from lawful custody at Cambridge Crown Court.

James Whitlock was receiving treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge

Whitlock was one of two men who used a petrol bomb and other explosives to steal about £50,000 from cash machines across Essex and London. He was jailed for the offences in January 2022.

In August of that year, Cambridgeshire Police said he injured himself at Whitemoor prison and was taken to hospital for surgery.

Following the procedure, police said Whitlock asked to use the shower. He remained chained to an officer, who stayed outside the cubicle.

But while washing, he managed to use the taps to break from the chain. He then covered his hands with his gown, so the officer would not notice, and ran as the pair made their way back to his treatment bay.

He was chased for a short distance before being detained and taken back to prison.

Whitlock, who was previously from Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex, was given an additional consecutive sentence by a judge last week.

Det Con Emma Purser said: "Whitlock was very quickly detained after this escape attempt – only managing to get a few metres from the officers.

"I'm pleased that this foolish attempt to break from custody has resulted in his sentence being extended."