A drug dealer ran away from police to avoid getting arrested and then escaped custody while receiving treatment in hospital. 

Reece Reddington was handed a two year prison sentence after pleading guilty to his crimes at Peterborough Crown Court.  

He was initially arrested on March 17 after running away from officers in Celandine View, Soham, and hid in a garage.  

The 36-year-old was also spotted throwing a mobile phone in a nearby garden, which contained hundreds of messages related to drug dealing.   

Two days later, while still in custody and being treated in hospital, Reddington successfully escaped.    

Police say despite their efforts at the scene at the time, he still managed to get away.    

Reddington, of no fixed address, was then arrested two weeks later in Fordham.

At court on Friday (May 31), he admitted to being concerned in the supply of class B drugs and escape from lawful custody.   

The moment a police officer finds Reddington hiding in a Soham garage.The moment a police officer finds Reddington hiding in a Soham garage. (Image: Cambridgeshire Police) Following his sentencing, Cambridgeshire Police released bodycam footage of Reddington’s initial arrest and the moment he was found hiding behind a van-like vehicle in the Soham garage. 

The officer who came across him says: “Hello mate – come out...”   

He then shouts: “... Stay there, don’t move...” 

With a taser drawn, the officer then informs his colleagues Reddington had been found and keeps him there until backup arrives.  

Det Con Jess Freeman, who investigated the case from Cambridgeshire Police, said: “Reddington initially ran from officers to evade arrest, and then later, while under arrest, unlawfully left hospital.   

“He’s now got two years to think about the consequences of his actions.  

“There is no place for drug dealing and associated criminality in our county.”