Man charged over West Suffolk Hospital prisoner escape

A man has been charged with helping a prisoner escape from a hospital.

Garry Cowan, 43, from Thamesmead, south-east London, is charged with assisting a prisoner to escape and possession of a firearm.

Andrew Farndon, 26, who was a prisoner at HMP Highpoint, had arrived at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds in January when he escaped from his guards.

Mr Cowan is due before Camberwell Magistrates via videolink later.

Mr Farndon, who had a knife wound, was being taken from the jail at Stradishall to the hospital in a taxi by two guards when the alleged incident happened.

Mr Farndon was later arrested in New Cumnock, Ayrshire, along with Mr Cowan, Karen Legge, 44, Alan Hornall, 33, both from New Cumnock, and a 16-year-old boy.

All were charged with offences connected to the escape and remanded in custody at a hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court at the end of January.