A convicted drug dealer who escaped from an open prison in Wales has been arrested following a two-day manhunt by police.
Manhunt Ends with Arrest
Liam Wall, aged 36, is now back in police custody after absconding from HMP Prescoed on Sunday, 14 December. Gwent Police confirmed the fugitive was arrested on the evening of Tuesday, 16 December, bringing a widespread search operation to a close.
The force had activated a dedicated operational plan to locate Wall and had issued a public appeal for assistance. In their appeal, they warned the public not to approach him under any circumstances.
Dangerous Criminal History
Wall is a known criminal with a significant drugs conviction. He was found guilty of drug offences at Cardiff Crown Court in 2017 as part of a four-member gang. The group was described as operating "the busiest drugs line in Cardiff".
His original arrest came in November 2016 when he and two accomplices were apprehended by police. They were stopped while driving a blue BMW on the M4 at Coldra, returning from Liverpool where they had purchased a large quantity of drugs. During the investigation, police seized drugs with an estimated street value of around £22,000, including 2kg of amphetamine.
Public Appeal and Description
During the search, Gwent Police released a description of Wall to aid the public. He was described as being approximately five foot eight inches tall, bald, with brown eyes and a brown beard.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police stated: "Liam Wall, 36, who absconded from HMP Prescoed, on Sunday 14 December, has now been arrested. He's currently in police custody. Thanks for sharing our appeal."
The case highlights ongoing concerns about security at open prisons and the resources required to recapture escaped inmates. The police have not yet released details of where or how Wall was finally apprehended.
