A MAN has appeared in court charged with escaping police custody.

Mark Anthony Ainsley, 27, appeared before York Crown Court yesterday where he admitted the charge.

The court heard Ainsley, who has given an address as Wilberforce Avenue, Clifton, York, had been arrested on May 17 and was taken - while in custody - to York Hospital, where he fled.

Ainsley, who appeared via video link, was remanded in custody until his next appearance.