Merseyside Police have issued an urgent appeal for a convicted criminal who was mistakenly released from HMP Altcourse. John Lee Riley, 49, was inadvertently freed early from the prison on Monday, 8 June, authorities confirmed.
Details of the Mistaken Release
Riley, originally from Liverpool, was serving a custodial sentence for assault. He is known to have connections to the Cheshire area, including Widnes, Wirral, and Crewe. Officers are urging anyone who sees him to come forward immediately so he can be returned to custody.
Description and Last Known Clothing
Riley is described as approximately 5ft 7in tall, of slim build, with grey hair and blue eyes. He speaks with a distinctive Liverpool accent. He was last spotted wearing a black jumper with 'Jack Jones' on the front, grey jogging bottoms with writing on the left leg and rear pocket, and black and white Puma trainers.
Police Appeal
Inspector Steve Reilly said: "If you see Riley or have any information whatsoever about his current whereabouts, then please get in touch as a matter of urgency so we can return him to prison. Please be assured that our inquiries are ongoing and we won't stop until he's back in custody where he belongs. I would also like to appeal to Riley himself to do the right thing and hand himself in if he sees this appeal."
He added: "Let us know if you have any information and we will act swiftly to ensure he's found as quickly as possible."
How to Report Information
Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police via their social media channels on X or Facebook @MerPolCC. Details can also be submitted through their website or by telephoning 101, quoting incident reference 26000460675. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website.
