Drug dealer escaped custody after court hearing

A drug dealer who escaped custody while being transported from court has been warned he could be sent to prison.

Sidney Kemp had appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court accused of drugs offences on 30 September, but fled after the hearing.

Police rearrested him shortly afterwards and he admitted his crimes at Southend Crown Court on Monday.

Recorder Peter Clark said there was a "high likelihood" Kemp would be jailed at his sentencing on 14 April.

At the short hearing, Kemp, of The Clusters, Southend-on-Sea, admitted possessing cocaine and diamorphine with intent to supply on 29 September.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of criminal cash and cannabis, having already admitted escaping from lawful custody.

The case was adjourned so a pre-sentence report could be prepared by the Probation Service.

Mirana Zeffman, for Kemp, told the court her client was homeless at the time of his offending.

Kemp appeared at the hearing via video link from HMP Chelmsford, where he was remanded into custody.

Serco, which operated the prisoner transport vehicle Kemp was meant to have boarded, previously said it was investigating his escape.

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