Wanted man who fled car that had £7k of class A drugs inside back behind bars

Gavin Phythian, of no fixed address, was the subject of a manhunt by Greater Manchester Police when he failed to return to HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington on Tuesday 21 June 2022.

Intelligence led to reports of the 33 year old travelling in a blue VW Golf that was sighted by a plain-clothed police officer on Friday 22 July 2022 on Manchester Road in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The driver, Anton Verigotta, of Hardman Street, Failsworth, however spotted police and began to drive dangerously through the town centre in an attempt to evade being detained. A pursuit took place until the vehicle was intercepted and brought to a stop.

Phythian, and 31 year-old Verigotta, then abandoned the vehicle on Richmond Street and fled.

A search of the car resulted in crack cocaine and heroin being seized along with large amounts of cash.

Verigotta was located by police a short time later and arrested however Phythian remained on the run. An investigation into his whereabouts continued until he was arrested at the Premier Inn hotel, on Hettersley in Tameside on Thursday 25 August.

On Monday 13 March 2023 Phythian and Verigotta appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court to be sentenced after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Phythian was sentenced to three years and one month for escaping lawful custody and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.

Verigotta was sentenced to four years and eight months for dangerous driving, money laundering and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

PC Dan Metcalfe, of GMP’s Tameside Challenger organised crime team, said: “Phythian knew he was wanted by police when he failed to return to HMP Thorn Cross yet was determined to do all he could to prevent being caught.

“With assistance from Verigotta, he was quickly back in the organised crime game, supplying class A drugs for a profit.

“Another drug dealer has been put behind bars, however it also serves as a warning to criminals already serving a sentence. If you flee, do not think you will simply go back to prison to serve your current sentence, you will receive extra jail time for escaping lawful custody.”