Wanted criminal who complained about mugshot continues to goad police - and blames Royal Mail

South Yorkshire Police are searching for Jake Elliott who is wanted in connection with an assault and criminal damage and recall to prison and launched an appeal to track him down on social media.

Yesterday, brazen Elliott shared the appeal on his own Facebook page and posting the mugshot photo released by police, complained about his appearance, adding: “Look rough like” and claiming he was high on drugs when it was taken.

Now he has had a further say, sharing the newspaper story about his mugshot complaint – and blaming his situation on postal strikes.

He wrote: “Papers must be short on what to put in. There (sic) going off like I'm some mad man - probation are useless, gave me a appointment but sent it in a letter when Royal Mail was on strike.

"I got it three week later n they recall me for it and made out I wasn't anwsering my phone but number they had has never been my number. All corrupt as f*** owt to make there (sic) jobs easier.

"U won't see papers post this in morning.”

Earlier this week, police released a wanted appeal picture which shows 25-year-old Elliott with a number of red spots on his face and a “wonky nose” – which he appeared to blame on cocaine use, writing: Look how wonkey my nose is from all that marching powder.” (slang for the drug).

Responding to comments from friends on the Facebook post he told one: “Be orate (sic) if I was actually hiding, all down to probation sending me a letter when Royal Mail was on strike – the assault, maybe they have wrong person.”

People have been warned not to approach Elliott, and to call 999 if they spot him.

When another asked if he was in HMP Doncaster, he replied: “Not yet but can feel it coming, it's only been 7 week,” later adding: “But won't be going back there anytime soon bro.”

He also claimed to have been high on drugs when the photo was taken, telling a friend: “That's when they locked me up pilled of mi t*** hshhshs”, adding “I’d been up days.”

Friends reacted with amusement to Elliott sharing his own wanted appeal, with one writing: “I can't cope.”

Another added: “Best ever,” while another simply posted “Hahaha.”

Another wrote: “Haaa awesome,” while another pal added: “I’m howling.”

Elliott of Maltby, is wanted in connection to reports of assault and criminal damage offences on February 13 last week.

He is described as 5ft 10ins tall, slim build with short brown hair and facial stubble.

A police spokesman said: “If you see Elliott do not approach him, please call 999.

“If you have any information about where he might be, you can contact us via our new online live chat or our online portal.”

Members of the public should quote incident number 453 of 13 February 2023 when they get in touch.

You can access the South Yorkshire Police online portal here: www.southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/

Alternatively, you can contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.