Prisoner used shoe lace to escape from Swansea court

James Stevenson went on the run from the court in October

A prisoner has admitted escaping from the crown court in Swansea after using a shoe lace to tamper with a lock.

James Stevenson, who is 30, also admitted separate charges of stealing 28 gold rings and assault with intent to resist arrest.

Stevenson, who fled the Guildhall court in October after being given a five-year term for firearm offences appeared via video link at Swansea Crown Court.

He also asked Judge John Diehl to be sentenced via video link.

The judge said he would be sentenced as soon as possible and that sentencing could be as early as Tuesday as no pre-sentence report was required.

The court heard Stevenson had used a shoe lace to tamper with a latch on his cell door during the escape.

He remained at large for 17 days before being arrested.

Following his arrest questions were raised about security at the court building.

Judge Diehl heard private security firm Reliance had completed its own internal investigation into the escape, and he would be provided with a copy at the sentencing hearing.