LESSONS have been learned by North Yorkshire Police after an armed robber escaped custody and sparked a five-day manhunt.

Mark Anthony Ainsley 28, climbed into the back of a Hackney carriage in Haxby Road, York, on the night of May 14 and demanded cash at gunpoint, but left empty-handed after driver Colin Metcalfe drove at speed into the city while blaring the car's horn to attract attention, braking suddenly in Exhibition Square.

Ainsley fled, and was arrested on the night of May 17 by armed police in York. While being transported to the police station, he repeatedly and purposefully banged his head against the bars of the police vehicle's cell until he required hospital treatment.

In the early hours of May 18, after he had received treatment and was being led out to a police vehicle to be taken to the station with his hands cuffed in front of him, he pulled free of his escorting officers and ran away.

The officers pursued, but lost sight of him close to Bootham Crescent. The resulting manhunt led to police helicopters, dogs and armed officers covering the city for five days, before he was eventually arrested at an address in Harrogate the following week.

Ainsley was jailed this week for 10 years and eight months, and Superintendent Adam Thomson said the force had learned from his actions, and changes would be made to how prisoners were transported and how officers are trained.

Supt Thomson said: "We are pleased with the sentence handed down to Ainsley and believe it is a reflection of the seriousness of his multiple offences and the effect his actions had upon his victims.

"The internal investigation conducted to establish the circumstances around Ainsley’s escape from custody has been concluded and some recommendations have been made regarding the procedure around the transportation of suspects to hospital. Following the review, further input around the transportation of suspects has also been added to the safety training officers receive."

A police spokeswoman said the force would not confirm whether any disciplinary issues had been raised against the officers who were responsible for Ainsley at the time of his escape, and who police have previously confirmed were not injured in the incident.