BENJAMIN MIDDLEMISS IN YORK SENTENCED AFTER ESCAPE AND BREACH OF LICENCE CONDITIONS
Benjamin Middlemiss, 25, from Oxcroft, Kirkbymoorside, was released on prison licence in July of the previous year after serving part of his sentence for indecent assault, York Crown Court heard.As part of his licence conditions, Middlemiss was granted an exemption under his bail curfew to work at a Tesco supermarket in York.
However, authorities suspected he had not been attending his workplace or residing at his bail address as required.
It was later revealed to be an 'administrational error' that Middlemiss had indeed been working at the store.
When police attempted to contact him to inform him he was wanted for prison recall, he did not respond, according to prosecutor Rob Galley.
A police officer sought Middlemiss in York on December 15, stopping his Ford Ka, which was found to be driven with only a provisional licence.
The officer informed him that he was wanted for recall to prison and attempted to take him into custody.
As he was being led toward the cells, Middlemiss pushed the officer backwards and managed to break free.
Following his escape, police conducted an extensive search but were unable to locate him for a week.
Middlemiss returned to his bail hostel on December 22 and was promptly arrested.
He admitted to escaping lawful custody and driving with only a provisional licence.
Consequently, he was recalled to Hull Prison to serve the remainder of his original sentence.
On Monday, Middlemiss appeared via video link for sentencing on the new offences.
Court records showed that Middlemiss previously had convictions for arson, theft from vehicles, criminal damage, and making off without payment.
In December 2013, he received a nine-year sentence for sexual offences.
Defence barrister Alex Menary indicated that Middlemiss’s current sentence was set to expire in four years, but efforts were underway to secure his release sooner due to his progress in prison.
Menary explained that Middlemiss had 'shrugged off' police after his arrest for the driving offence and prison recall, claiming he was panicked because he believed he had done nothing wrong and had been going to work.
Judge Andrew Stubbs QC stated that after Middlemiss’s release last summer, it appeared he was making positive steps and was 'doing everything expected of you.' However, the judge emphasized that his escape and evasion for approximately seven days was a serious matter.
As a result, Middlemiss was sentenced to an additional four months in prison.
His existing sentence for sexual offences is due to conclude in January 2023, although it is possible he may be released before then.
