Andrew Thompson, a man who previously charged at a homeowner with a hammer during a Christmas Day burglary, has escaped from prison. Cheshire Police have issued a public appeal to locate him.
Details of the Escape
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police confirmed on Thursday, July 9, that Andrew Thompson is wanted on recall to prison. Thompson, formerly of Derna Road in Huyton, is described as white, with brown eyes and brown hair. He also has links to Warrington.
The Original Crime
In January 2023, Thompson was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for a burglary that took place on Christmas Day 2022. According to the Liverpool ECHO, Thompson targeted a house while the homeowner was out having Christmas dinner. The victim was also experiencing his first Christmas without his mother, whose birthday fell on that day.
After being alerted to the break-in, the victim's son rushed to the scene and boxed the burglar's car in on the driveway. In response, Thompson rammed the vehicle blocking his escape. A judge remarked that Thompson had "provided no goodwill to others whatsoever."
Court Proceedings
Liverpool Crown Court heard that a neighbor witnessed the burglary shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Christmas Day and called the police and the homeowner. A blue Suzuki had been seen reversing up to the address in Roby before a man emerged from the rear patio doors carrying bags, which he placed into the car.
During this time, the owner's son was informed and made his way to the property from his nearby home. Chris Taylor, prosecuting, described how he drove the "two minutes" distance and blocked the drive with his Ford Fiesta to hinder the offender. Thompson then approached him while raising a hammer above his head and shouting threats before getting into the driver's seat of his car. He rammed and damaged the other vehicle, then maneuvered around it and onto a grass verge to flee.
A statement read to the court on the complainant's behalf stated that the burglar smashed through the patio doors and stole items of jewelry, including cufflinks, from an upstairs room. The victim added: "No one has the right to break into my home address and steal."
Thompson admitted burglary during an earlier hearing. Appearing via video link to HMP Berwyn, he was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.
Appeal for Information
Anyone with information about Thompson's whereabouts is asked to contact Cheshire Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting incident reference number 26000527956.
