A MAN has appeared in court charged with seven offences in connection with a five-day hunt for a prisoner who escaped police custody following treatment at York Hospital.

Mark Anthony Ainsley, 27, was originally arrested by armed police last Wednesday, but is said to have escaped after being taken to hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Armed police, dog units and the police helicopter were seen in the city following his alleged escape.

North Yorkshire Police said Ainsley was arrested for a second time at an address in Harrogate at about 3.30pm on Monday, along with two men and two women, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Ainsley appeared before York and Selby Magistrates' Court this morning charged with four attempted robberies, one robbery, possession of a firearm, and escape from lawful custody.

He was handcuffed to a police officer at all times during his ten-minute hearing, with security officers also in the dock and two more North Yorkshire Police officers stationed within the courtroom.

Ainsley's solicitor, Kevin Blount, entered no pleas on his client's behalf.

Ainsley was remanded in custody, and will appear before York Crown Court next month.