An Armley woman who fled the country with a suspect in a firearms discharge investigation has been jailed.
Rashawn Bedeau continued to financially support suspect Ellis Thornton for six months after he fled the UK despite knowing he was wanted by West Yorkshire Police in connection with a firearms discharge in Lister Lane, Halifax.
Bedeau flew out to Barbados with Thornton on January 31, 2023, while knowing that he was a wanted suspect.
She then financially supported him through to July 2023 while he moved to Suriname and Mexico.
Thornton is still wanted by West Yorkshire Police in connection with the incident. However, he is currently known to be in custody in the United States in connection with separate incidents which took place overseas.
Appearing before Leeds Crown Court for sentencing, Bedeau, aged 28, of Arley Street, was sentenced to two years.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Andrew Ellis of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Bedeau helped Ellis Thornton leave the country and continued to fund his lifestyle for several months despite knowing he was a wanted suspect for a serious offence here in West Yorkshire.
“I hope today’s sentence sends a message out to anyone who is in two minds about hindering a police enquiry in this manner. There is a penalty to pay.”