254—Escape or removal from lawful custody
(1) Subject to this
section, a person subject to lawful detention who—
(a)
escapes, or attempts to escape, from custody; or
(b)
remains unlawfully at large,
is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
(2) A child is not
guilty of an offence against subsection (1) in respect of an act or
omission that constitutes an offence against section 48 of the
Young Offenders Act 1993 .
(2a) A term of
imprisonment to which a person is sentenced for an offence against
subsection (1) is cumulative on any other term of imprisonment or
detention in a training centre that the person is liable to serve.
(3) A person who,
knowing that, or being recklessly indifferent as to whether, another person is
subject to lawful detention—
(a)
assists in the escape or attempted escape of the other person from custody; or
(b)
without lawful authority, removes, or attempts to remove, the other person
from custody,
is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
(4) A person having
custody or authority in respect of another person subject to lawful detention
who, knowing that, or being recklessly indifferent as to whether, there is no
legal authority to do so—
(a)
releases or procures the release of, or attempts to release or procure the
release of, the other person from custody; or
(b)
permits the other person to escape from custody,
is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.