Police have launched an urgent appeal to locate a violent offender who was mistakenly released from prison due to an administrative error. John Lee Riley, 49, was freed from HMP Altcourse on Monday (June 8), according to Merseyside Police.
Riley was serving a sentence for assault and has connections across Cheshire, though he is originally from Liverpool. Officers are urging anyone who sees him to contact authorities immediately so he can be returned to custody, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
He is described as approximately 5ft 7in tall, of slim build, with grey hair and blue eyes, and speaks with a Liverpool accent. He was last seen 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. Riley maintains links to Widnes, Wirral, and Crewe.
Inspector Steve Reilly said: "If you see Riley or have any information about his current whereabouts, please get in touch as a matter of urgency so we can return him to prison. Our inquiries are ongoing, and we won't stop until he's back in custody where he belongs. I would also appeal to Riley himself to do the right thing and hand himself in if he sees this appeal."
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police via social media on X or Facebook @MerPolCC, through their website, or by calling 101 and quoting incident reference 26000460675. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
