Escaped convict found after coming out of hiding to buy ‘call of duty’
An escaped convict has landed himself back in prison after coming out of hiding – to buy Call Of Duty.
Last year, Clint Butler escaped HMP Spring Hill open prison while serving a 17-year extended sentence for crimes including robbery and firearms offences. He has been classed as a wanted prisoner since fleeing prison in November.
However on January 13, he was stopped by police in Birmingham City Centre after taking a non-essential trip with his friend.
PCs Mark Owen and Allison Brown became suspicious of the pair after they immediately changed direction after seeing the officers.
When asked by the officers why he was in town during lockdown, Butler’s friend replied: “I’ve come to get the new Call Of Duty because I can’t sit around in lockdown.”
Mr Owen then said he would check their details – at which point Butler lashed out and kicked him in the groin and punching another in the face before he’s tackled by the officers and security guards who came to help.
After giving up and being handcuffed, Butler initially gave a false name but officers quickly realised he was an escaped convict.
On top of his original sentence which would have seen him behind bars until 2024, Butler has now been jailed for 13 months for absconding from prison, and six months consecutively for assaulting the officers.
Superintendent Nick Rowe of West Midlands Police said: “Quite why he decided to risk being returned to prison by making the idiotic decision to come into town during lockdown with a friend to buy a video game will remain a bit of a mystery.”
He added: “The situation escalated really quickly, but both PCs put their training to good effect by restraining Butler, subduing him and getting him safely in handcuffs, while also calling for back-up from officers nearby.”
You can view the bodycam footage below.
