A PROLIFIC criminal who gave officers the slip by escaping from a hospital while under guard has avoided prison.

Justin Cartwright, 29, managed to evade police who had detained him at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford after he tried to raid a house.

The victim had been at work when his mobile phone alerted him to the attempted break-in, at his home in Long Road East, Dedham.

Cartwright has 28 convictions for 77 previous offences, including burglary, but he left Chelmsford Crown Court a free man.

Samantha Lowther, prosecuting, said he was arrested after officers watched the victim’s CCTV footage.

But he complained he felt unwell and was taken to Broomfield Hospital for treatment.

Mrs Lowther said: “One of the doctors handed the discharge notice to the defendant.

“He became agitated waiting and asked to go to the toilet.

“One of the officers took the defendant to the toilet and suddenly a colleague said ‘He’s an escaper and we will have to handcuff him.’ “Offers pursued him but were unable to apprehend him.”

Cartwright, of Viscount Drive, Colchester, was found in Tiptree later the same day after police issued an appeal. He admitted attempted burglary and escaping lawful custody.

Hannah Sutton, mitigating, said the father-of-five is now taking medication to treat bipolar disorder.

She said: “While in custody he has been proactive in seeking help for his mental health difficulties.

“He says for some time he has been hearing voices, suffering with depression and insomnia brought about since the death of his father.”

Judge Patricia Lynch QC sentenced Cartwright to a total of 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

She said: “Your antecedence and your behaviour up until now makes you a prime contender for immediate custody.

"Burglary is terrifying for people, it is a horrible offence and it has affected these people very badly, even though this is an attempt."

She added: “However the most important thing that has come from your mitigation is that you are finally being treated for your condition.

“You have engaged with probation and for the first time you seem to be addressing your offending.

"Today really is the first day of the rest of your life because I am going to give you a chance.

“I am the judge who will give you that chance but if you don’t turn your life around, this judge will have no hesitation in putting you in prison.”