A convicted murderer and a second inmate have been arrested after allegedly absconding from an open prison in South Gloucestershire on New Year's Day. The men, identified as Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, left HMP Leyhill between 5pm and 8pm on 1 January.
Nationwide Manhunt Ends with Arrests
Avon and Somerset police confirmed that both men were detained on Wednesday, 3 January, following a coordinated search. Matthew Armstrong, convicted of murder in Warwickshire in 2009, was arrested by Warwickshire police officers near Henley-in-Arden train station just before midday. His location was reported by a vigilant member of the public.
Daniel Washbourne, who has previous convictions for violence and false imprisonment, was located in Bristol city centre at approximately 1.30am. Officers found him with pre-existing injuries, and he was initially taken to hospital for assessment before being transferred into police custody.
Further Serious Allegations Emerge
In a significant development, police revealed that Armstrong has also been arrested on suspicion of robbery. This relates to an incident in a village near the prison that occurred at around 6.45pm on 31 December – the night before he absconded.
A police spokesperson stated: "A man had forced his way into a home and threatened the occupants before stealing a mobile phone and a quantity of cash. Following this incident, we've carried out a number of inquiries, including interviews with the victims and house-to-house inquiries, which have led to Armstrong being arrested on suspicion of committing this offence."
Government Orders Urgent Prison Review
The absconding has prompted immediate action from the UK government. Alex Davies-Jones, a junior minister for the Ministry of Justice, informed parliament that a review into how the men allegedly left HMP Leyhill will be conducted. This review is mandated to be completed within 20 days.
This incident marks the second recent absconding case from the same prison. Another man, aged 39, was arrested in Bristol on Saturday and appeared in magistrates court on Monday, charged with absconding from HMP Leyhill. He is scheduled to appear before Bristol Crown Court in February.
The swift recapture of Armstrong and Washbourne will bring relief, but the case raises serious questions about security procedures at the open prison, which the forthcoming review is expected to address.
