A CRIMINAL escaped from an open prison because he feared being targeted over a drugs debt.

James Hutton fled from Ford prison near Littlehampton, and was put on Sussex Police’s “most wanted” list.

The 30-year-old scaffolder was in prison for burglary, dangerous driving, and then headbutting a police officer.

Hutton feared he would be attacked in jail, but says his pleas to guards fell on deaf ears, so he escaped and went on the run in Eastbourne.

At Lewes Crown Court it was also revealed that he was charged with a further attack on police in Hastings.

Read more on this defendant: Thug Hames Hutton jailed over high-speed chase and headbutting PC

Officers Matthew Harris and Lee Williams believed Hutton matched the description of a man wanted in connection with sexual assault in September last year.

The thug was drunk at Crowleys Bar in the town centre, and offered the PCs out for a fight.

Hutton said: “Have you got a problem mate? Take that uniform off and we will have a fight.”

Outside in the street Hutton took off his jumper and took a swing at PC Williams.

“I have dealt with a lot of violent individuals as a result of their crimes, but I cannot recall a time someone has presented themselves to me as James Hutton did on this occasion,” the officer said.

The Argus:

James Hutton has been jailed

Later, in custody, it was revealed that Hutton had wet himself due to his state of drunkenness.

Hutton, formerly of London Road, Mitcham, was previously in court over incidents in November last year.

He led police on a 100mph chase through Eastbourne while driving dangerously, and headbutted an officer when arrested.

Hutton also admitted burglary in the town, and was jailed for two years in January.

Then in July this year, an alert was issued by Sussex Police that Hutton had absconded from Ford Prison after being switched there from HMP Lewes.

Read more on this defendant: James Hutton wanted after escaping from prison in Sussex

William Gatward, prosecuting, said the defendant had a record of similar incidents of violence.

Sarah Clarke, defending, and Judge Stephen Mooney said Hutton probably should have been charged for the attack on PC Williams when he was arrested.

But Ms Clarke said it may have been that the sexual assault allegation took more police time.

Hutton was not the man police were looking for in connection with the offence so he was not charged.

The judge said the incident was a “nasty” attack and said Hutton has 66 previous convictions.

The Argus:

The case was heard at Lewes Crown Court

“It was not a complicated situation where a rowdy and unpleasant individual has committed gratuitous assaults on police officers.

“He should have been arrested and charged within 12 hours.”

The judge told Hutton that while he may feel aggrieved at the process, but attacks on police officers must be punished with a prison spell.

Hutton was told he was would serve six months for the attack on PC Williams, and also another four months for escaping from lawful custody.

It made a consecutive sentence of ten months, adding an extra month to the prison sentence he is already serving.

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