AN INMATE who escaped from Tamworth's prison asked officers why they didn't shoot him when he ran, after he gave himself up.
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The Leader can now reveal the details of the September 13 prison break by James Andrew Creighton, during which an officer fired a warning shot from a Corrective Services-issued firearm.
Creighton asked prison officers, "Why didn't you shoot me?" when he was captured hundreds of metres away after fleeing the jail.
The details were revealed in court documents after the 22-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence.
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Creighton, who is on remand for other charges, was in segregation and being escorted from the prison about 8.30am on the day in question.
He was due to be put into a Correctives van waiting out the front of the jail, and taken to Shortland Correctional Centre.
Court documents reveal Creighton was being led by three Corrective Services officers, but "pulled down with his arms" and out of their grip, running east.
A Corrective Services officer yelled, "Runner, runner". The escort officer drew his firearm and "fired one round into the air as a warning shot".
Police facts show Creighton ducked as the shot rang out, but he did not stop, leaving the prison grounds via the exit onto Dean Street.
He ran into the Tamworth hospital car park across the road, as several prison officers gave chase.
Creighton "eventually stopped" and lay down on the ground in the car park before prison officers took him back into custody. He then asked staff: "Why didn't you shoot me?"
Police facts show Creighton ran 300m from the jail while handcuffed.
He was re-arrested by police and charged, and subsequently refused bail on the fresh offence.
He was placed into maximum security, as is usual protocol for inmates who escape from custody.
In Tamworth Local Court, Creighton appeared via video link and pleaded guilty to one count of being an inmate who escapes lawful custody - an offence that carries a maximum of two years' imprisonment in the local court.
Magistrate Julie Soars ordered probation authorities to prepare a full sentencing assessment report on Creighton's background, as well as a specialist medical report by Justice Health.
Creighton made no application for bail and it was refused ahead of sentencing in November.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
