47-year-old escaped from custody at Bath hospital sparking manhunt

A man escaped from custody at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, sparking a manhunt involving a police helicopter and dogs, Bath magistrates heard this week.

Gary Gainard | Image © Avon & Somerset Police

After complaining of feeling unwell on 18th April, Gary Gainard, who had been arrested for failing to attend court on shop theft charges, had been taken to the RUH but fled. He was caught two days later.

At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13th July, the 47-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of escaping from lawful custody.

The charge is an indictable only one, meaning it has to be dealt with at the Crown Court.

Gainard, of Kildare Road in Knowle in Bristol, is already subject to a community order for previous offending, and the judge at Bristol will receive an updated report at the sentencing on 11th August.

Gainard is on unconditional bail until then.