A convicted criminal who had secret affairs with both a prison nurse and a prison officer is now being hunted by police after vanishing following his arrest.
Harri Pullen, 27, was previously locked up for drug offences when he sparked illicit relationships behind bars with two women working in the prison system. Now, after being released, he’s at the centre of a new manhunt – this time for allegedly dealing drugs and fleeing police custody.
Fled hospital in waiting car
Pullen was last seen at 3.45pm on Wednesday, March 26, outside the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran. He had been taken there by police after being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
But he didn’t stay put. Gwent Police say he left the hospital car park in a black Vauxhall Insignia, and hasn’t been seen since.
Four women – aged 28, 31, 41 and 58 – have since been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Three remain in custody, and the 58-year-old has been released on bail.
Romance behind bars
Pullen’s jailhouse love life made headlines before his escape. While serving time at HMP Parc in Bridgend, he started an inappropriate relationship with nurse Elyse Hibbs, 27, who later claimed she was pressured into the romance. She was jailed for six months and later struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
At the same time, Pullen also struck up a separate relationship with 26-year-old prison officer Ruth Shmylo. After he was transferred to HMP Manchester, also known as Strangeways, he added her to his approved call list – and was recorded telling her he loved her in multiple calls.
The court heard she had phone sex with the inmate, though she insisted she was mostly “just listening.” She was ultimately cleared of misconduct after a nine-day trial last year.
Police urge public to help
Gwent Police are urging anyone who has seen Pullen or has information on his whereabouts to contact them immediately. The force is also investigating others who may have become involved in his life.
Pullen, who has a reputation for manipulating those around him, is still on the run. Officers say the investigation remains ongoing.
