A PRISONER fled from Clacton police station after the gate of the compound was opened while he was having a cigarette.

Mitchell Griggs was arrested after a bag of cannabis was found in his car but, after being taken into custody, he saw his opportunity and ran.

Griggs, 26, realised his error and handed himself in the next day.

He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday and admitted one count of possession of cannabis after being caught in Clacton on February 7.

Griggs, of Totlands Drive, Clacton, also admitted one count of escaping from lawful custody, committed on the same date.

Philippa Beswick, mitigating, said: "He is a 26-year-old who is very lightly convicted.

"It was a very short-lived escape.

"He was caught by police and volunteered a bag of cannabis in his car."

She said a full search of his car was needed and he was arrested and taken to the police station "not in handcuffs".

She said: "He was allowed to have a cigarette.

"The gate was opened when bringing the car into the compound.

"He legged it.

"Then he handed himself in the next day."

Ms Beswick told the court Griggs suffers from anxiety and depression, backed up with a note from his GP, and asked for a pre sentence report.

Judge Christopher Morgan ordered a report and, before releasing Griggs on bail, told him to return for sentencing from April 24 back at the court.