Pakistani national sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison for prison escape attempt in North Cyprus

The Lefkosia High Criminal Court has sentenced Abdul Wahab Khan, a Pakistani national, to 3 years and 6 months in prison for attempting to escape from lawful custody in 2024. 

Khan had previously been convicted of 19 counts of theft in the Kyrenia region and was serving a 5-year prison sentence.

The ruling was delivered by the Lefkosia High Criminal Court panel on Friday May 2.

According to the court, on March 16, 2024, Khan was temporarily transferred with other inmates from the new prison facility to the old prison for work duties. While repairing lights on a six-meter-high wall, he jumped over and fled the facility. He was soon apprehended by guards in a fenced area near the prison and was returned to custody.

During questioning, Khan reportedly stated, “I had no other choice, I’m sorry,” when informed of the charge against him.

The judge noted that the offense of escaping from lawful custody carries a maximum sentence of up to 7 years, emphasizing its serious nature and impact on public interest and the justice system.
"Escaping lawful detention undermines the enforcement of justice and must be deterred with strict penalties," the judge said, referencing consistent rulings by the High Court in similar cases.

While the crime was deemed serious, the court took into account several mitigating factors, including the absence of violence or weapons during the escape, Khan’s admission of guilt, his expression of remorse, and his lack of prior similar convictions. 

The court also considered his personal and family circumstances, as well as his young age and limited life experience.

In conclusion, Khan was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison for the offense.