Two individuals, a convicted murderer and a violent offender, have been apprehended after escaping from an open prison on New Year’s Day.
Matthew Armstrong, aged 35, and Daniel Washbourne, aged 40, were captured today following their departure from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire between 5pm and 8pm on January 1. Armstrong, who was convicted in 2009 for a murder committed during a robbery in Warwickshire, was taken into custody near Henley-in-Arden train station in Warwickshire around midday after a member of the public alerted the authorities.
Washbourne, with previous convictions for violent offenses and false imprisonment, was arrested in Bristol city center at approximately 1:30 am. Upon discovery with pre-existing injuries, officers initially transported him to a hospital. He is now under police custody, as confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police.
Armstrong was also taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in a robbery near Leyhill that occurred on the evening of December 31, the night before their escape from HMP Leyhill.
Following an incident where a man forcibly entered a residence, threatened occupants, and stole a mobile phone and cash, Armstrong was arrested on suspicion of committing the offense after extensive investigations and interviews with the victims.
A third individual, aged 39, who absconded alongside the pair, was apprehended in Bristol on Saturday. He appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Monday, facing charges related to absconding and is scheduled to appear before Bristol Crown Court in February.
In response to the incident, Alex Davies-Jones MP, a junior minister at the Ministry of Justice, informed Parliament that a review of HMP Leyhill will be conducted within 20 days.
During the search for Armstrong and Washbourne, Avon and Somerset Police released CCTV images of the duo. A spokesperson for the force mentioned on Tuesday: “Three men were initially reported to have absconded from the South Gloucestershire prison between 5-8pm on Thursday, January 1. CCTV footage captured the attire worn by Armstrong and Washbourne at the time, although it is acknowledged they may have changed clothing since then.
“Prompt measures were taken, including alerting national police systems on New Year’s Day, conducting out-of-force address checks, and intelligence operations to track the potential movements of the individuals.
“Efforts were also made through collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to notify the victims and families of the escapees’ past criminal records in a sensitive manner.”
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