Harri Pullen, a convicted criminal, has been handed a six-year prison sentence after a dramatic escape from a hospital and a week-long flight from the authorities.
Pullen, 27, had been involved in a series of illicit relationships while serving his time at HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales.
His relationships with Elyse Hibbs, a prison nurse, and Ruth Shmylo, a prison officer, would ultimately lead to his downfall.
Pullen manipulated both women, including engaging in phone sex with Shmylo over a four-year period, which resulted in legal consequences for them as well.
The Manipulative Prisoner
While behind bars, Pullen formed an affair with Hibbs, the 27-year-old nurse who had been assigned to care for him.
Their secret relationship grew to the point where Hibbs was jailed for misconduct in public office after admitting her involvement.
Pullen then went on to manipulate Shmylo, the 26-year-old prison officer, into phone sex.
Despite the scandal, Shmylo avoided prison after being cleared of the charge in a trial.
Pullen was released from jail but soon returned to a life of crime.
He was caught dealing drugs on an electric bike just months after his release.
When police attempted to arrest him, he resisted, and a video showed him being tackled by officers in front of stunned shoppers.
The Hospital Escape
During a medical checkup at Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, Gwent, Pullen, still in handcuffs, took the opportunity to escape.
After claiming to have head pain, he was transported to the hospital for treatment.
While there, he attempted to flee by running through the car park and onto a waiting getaway car.
Officers chased him but were unable to catch him initially.
He spent a week on the run, evading authorities until he was found hiding in a farmhouse outside Newport, South Wales.
Even then, Pullen attempted to escape again by driving off in a Mercedes.
After a brief chase, he was eventually apprehended when a police dog was deployed.
The Charges and Sentencing
Pullen pleaded guilty to 11 charges, including possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply, dangerous driving, and escaping lawful custody.
Prosecutor Alex Granville outlined the evidence, which included five wraps of crack cocaine, two phones, and cash.
Pullen’s actions led to significant disruption, including a police chase that ended when he got into a getaway car at high speed.
Judge Daniel Williams sentenced Pullen to six years in prison, emphasizing his criminal activity, including the drug deal, escape from custody, and subsequent actions.
Pullen, appearing via videolink from Cardiff Prison, offered an apology at the end of the hearing.
The Women Involved
Shmylo’s case was equally complicated.
During her trial in December 2023, it was revealed that Pullen had been transferred to HMP Manchester, where he added Shmylo to his approved calls list.
Conversations between them were secretly recorded, with Pullen frequently telling her that he loved her.
Shmylo was fired from her job at the prison after other allegations of inappropriate behavior, including flirting with inmates.
Despite the controversy, Shmylo defended her actions, claiming she had been treated unfairly and that she had been pressured into her actions by the toxic environment at the prison.
She admitted to having phone sex with Pullen but was acquitted of the charge of misconduct in public office.
Shmylo’s legal team argued that she had been treated as a whistleblower before being caught in the scandal.
The Nurse’s Role
Hibbs, the nurse involved with Pullen, also faced legal consequences.
She claimed to have been pressured into communicating with Pullen but was ultimately convicted of misconduct in public office.
She was sentenced to six months in prison.
After her release, Hibbs faced a disciplinary hearing with the Nursing and Midwifery Council to determine if she was fit to practice as a nurse.
The council decided to suspend her for 12 months, meaning she may return to her career in nursing after the suspension period.
Hibbs, who had met Pullen while providing medical care in prison, explained that she was afraid to end the relationship because Pullen had previously threatened her.
She admitted she should have reported the matter but felt trapped by the situation.
The Aftermath and What’s Next
Pullen’s actions and the involvement of the two women illustrate the consequences of criminal manipulation and the complex relationships that can form in prison.
Both women faced professional and personal repercussions for their roles in the affair, while Pullen’s future remains grim with his lengthy sentence.
The case highlights the vulnerabilities and ethical challenges faced by those working in corrections, and how easily boundaries can be blurred when manipulation and deceit are at play.
