Stourbridge robber gets extra six months for prison escape
An inmate serving an eight-year jail term for an armed robbery in the West Midlands, who escaped from prison by scaling a fence, has been locked up for an extra six months.
Daljeet Dhadwal, of Kidderminster Road, Stourbridge, was sentenced in January 2011 after terrorising a couple and their three children when he burst into their home in Handsworth, Birmingham.
But Wolverhampton Crown Court heard he got out of the HMP Sudbury open prison in Derbyshire by climbing over the perimeter fence on March 5 this year. The 34-year-old was on the run for four months but was found out when he was arrested for shoplifting.
He was picked up on July 5 after stealing from a branch of Holland and Barretts in Birmingham – but originally gave false details. However, police soon found out his real identity.
Mr Paul Reid, prosecuting, said Dhadwal was not present for lunchtime roll call at prison and was later found to have escaped.
He added: "When he was arrested he admitted the theft but gave false details."
He also pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer and has already been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison, the court heard.
Mr Sarbjit Singh Lalli, defending, said Dhadwal had been an 'ideal prisoner' and had been well-behaved until the escape.
He said there had been an ongoing dispute with his wife and he was worried that he would not be able to see his daughter in future. He added: "He is sorry for what he has done and knows it means he will have to serve more time."
Recorder Mark Wall QC told Dhadwal said: "You were sentenced for a significant period of time for a serious offence and you ended up at a category D prison but you chose to walk out.
"I accept that you did it over the fears for the future of your child although it doesn't justify it." Dhadwal admitted escaping from custody and was jailed for six months, to be added to his existing sentence.
