Vera Kardailsky, 33, appeared in the Dunedin District Court last week and admitted escaping police custody, assault, speaking threateningly and wilful damage.
The court heard that on April 7, the defendant was remanded in custody on active charges and the next day police transported her to Christchurch Women’s Prison.
The transporting staff stopped in Oamaru for fuel and, while officers were inside paying, Kardailsky climbed over the centre console and dashed out the passenger door.
She was in a waist restraint but covered it with her hoodie and ran about 150m down the road.
An officer was alerted and a short chase ensued before Kardailsky was captured and returned to the patrol vehicle.
The defendant said the short-lived escape was "worth a shot" and she did not want to go to prison.
The charges that landed her behind bars stemmed from events two days earlier.
Kardailsky had been staying in a sleepout and drunkenly entered the main house.
She pushed a woman and forced her way in, the court heard.
The victim tried to get Kardailsky to calm down but she yelled: "I will kick you in the head".
As Kardailsky left, she slammed the door so hard the hinges broke.
Judge Emma Smith said the defendant’s escape from custody was unsophisticated, yet still serious.
She said the other incident was "particularly unpleasant for the victim".
Judge Smith sentenced Kardailsky to four months three weeks’ imprisonment.
Because of the time she has already spent in custody, the defendant is expected to be released immediately.
