From an outside point-of-view, I don't understand the reason CCP felt that Heth needed to get away; I've only been here a couple of months and there's been a decent precedent for killing major NPC characters off already. The whole getting away thing just seems rather forced and if CCP was looking for a way to create an outlaw Provist group, I think they could have still done it while having Heth captured and/or killed at the battle for the station.
Heck, if they really wanted to split the State (cause, you know, :grimdark:), have Heth captured by the CEP. Then during a trial (or whatever they wish to do) have a Heth-loyalist sect storm the place and attempt to free him. The attempt could even fail, Heth dies, becoming a martyr for the Provists who flee Caldari space and setup as a new 'pirate' faction bent on avenging their fallen idol. Just my thoughts.