**Gang Member Recaptured After Daring Hospital Car Park Escape**
A dramatic sequence of events unfolded in south-east Wales recently, as newly-released police footage captured the recapture of a notorious gang member who had previously managed to slip from police custody at a hospital in Cwmbran. The footage, unveiled by Gwent Police, shows the culmination of a week-long manhunt that gripped Newport and surrounding areas.
The central figure in this episode is Harri Pullen, a 27-year-old from Newport, already well-known to authorities after previous convictions and reports of illicit affairs while serving time. Pullen, who had served a four-year sentence amid widespread media interest for his reported relationships with both a prison officer and a nurse, soon returned to criminal activity after his release.
The latest chain of events began on 26 March, when plainclothes officers spotted Pullen in the midst of what they suspected was a drug transaction in Newport’s city centre. He was promptly detained but complained of a head injury, resulting in his transfer to the Grange University Hospital under police supervision.
Events took an unexpected turn after Pullen was medically cleared and discharged. While still handcuffed, he managed to evade his police escorts by dashing through the hospital’s car park, making his way to a vehicle that had been waiting nearby. His escape did not end his legal troubles, however, and instead triggered an extensive search across the region.
Authorities soon identified four women, aged between 28 and 58, suspected of aiding Pullen’s flight from law enforcement. All four were arrested on allegations of assisting an offender, though investigations continue to determine the full extent of their roles.
The pursuit of Pullen concluded one week later, on 2 April, following a sighting at a farmhouse in the vicinity of Newport. As officers approached the property, Pullen once again attempted to elude capture—first by driving recklessly away from the scene, then fleeing on foot. The unfolding drama was documented on police bodycam, with officers deploying a police dog and readying a taser, described as ‘red dotting’ by the force, to effect the arrest in a residential cul-de-sac.
Brought before Newport Crown Court, Pullen admitted to a string of offences dating from both before and during his fugitive week. His guilty plea covered 11 charges, including possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, dangerous driving, and escaping lawful custody. The seriousness of the charges earned him a six-year custodial sentence.
Observers may recall Pullen’s notoriety from his previous stint behind bars, where his conduct drew considerable public and press attention. Prison nurse Elyse Hibbs, aged 27, was earlier convicted and jailed for an inappropriate relationship with Pullen. Meanwhile, former prison officer Ruth Shmylo, though dismissed from her role after being accused of a romantic involvement, was ultimately cleared of criminal wrongdoing after a 2023 trial.
The recent case has highlighted longstanding concerns regarding the vulnerability of correctional staff and prisoner conduct, reigniting discussions locally around the management of high-risk individuals within and beyond the prison system. Police have confirmed that their inquiries into those who may have helped Pullen escape remain ongoing, promising to bring all offenders involved to justice.
This incident serves as a reminder of the difficulties and dangers inherent in policing and custodial supervision, especially when dealing with determined offenders. Authorities are urging anyone with information pertaining to the ongoing inquiries to come forward.
As always, Wales continues to closely monitor such stories, reflecting the public’s concern with issues of crime, justice, and community safety. The case of Harri Pullen will undoubtedly remain a talking point in the region for some time to come.