Police are urgently searching for a former inmate who absconded from a hospital after being arrested on suspicion of drug dealing. The man, identified as 27-year-old Harri Pullen, previously made headlines for his relationships with a prison nurse and a prison officer while behind bars.
Pullen was last seen at around 3:45 pm on Wednesday, March 26, outside the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, where he had been taken following his arrest on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He fled the hospital car park after being picked up by someone in a black Vauxhall Insignia.
Gwent Police have launched an appeal for information to locate Pullen, who is from Newport. Four women, aged 28, 31, 41, and 58, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. The 58-year-old woman has been released on police bail, while the other three remain in custody.
Controversial Relationships Behind Bars
Pullen had previously been incarcerated, where he struck up an “inappropriate relationship” with prison nurse Elyse Hibbs, 27. He also repeatedly phoned prison officer Ruth Shmylo, 26, expressing his love in a series of recorded calls.
Hibbs was jailed for six months after admitting to flirtatious phone calls with Pullen while he was serving his sentence for being part of a drugs gang. She claimed she was pressured into the relationship but was later suspended from nursing for 12 months.
Prison officer Shmylo was accused of having a five-month relationship with Pullen, during which he became “fixated” on her, bombarding her with phone calls from his cell. The court heard that Pullen repeatedly told her, “I love you.” Shmylo was ultimately cleared of misconduct after explaining that she did not report the calls due to fear of repercussions from prison bosses.
A Manipulative Figure
Court records describe Pullen as a “particularly manipulative individual.” Defense statements revealed that both women felt intimidated and coerced by his actions. Pullen had made threats against Shmylo’s brother-in-law and her pets after she tried to cut off contact.
Police Appeal
Gwent Police are urging anyone with information about Pullen’s whereabouts to come forward. A spokesperson stated:
“Harri Pullen is wanted in connection with his escape from custody and his suspected involvement in drug-related offenses. If you see him or have any information, please contact us immediately. Do not approach him directly.”
Authorities are particularly concerned about the potential risk to women who have previously been in contact with Pullen, as more individuals have come forward since his escape.
Anyone with information can contact Gwent Police on 101, quoting incident number 2300108273, or call Crimestoppers anonymously.
