Two individuals, a murderer, and a violent offender were apprehended following their escape from an open prison on the first day of the year. Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, were captured after leaving HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire between 5 pm and 8 pm on January 1. Armstrong, convicted in 2009 of a murder during a robbery in Warwickshire, was apprehended near Henley-in-Arden train station in Warwickshire before noon after being sighted by a member of the public.
Washbourne, with prior convictions for assault and false imprisonment, was seized in Bristol city center around 1:30 am. Upon discovery with existing injuries, he was taken to the hospital by officers and is currently under police custody, as confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police.
Armstrong was also detained on suspicion of robbery relating to an incident near Leyhill on the evening of December 31, the night before their escape from HMP Leyhill. The police force reported a home invasion where a man threatened the occupants, stole a mobile phone, and cash. Subsequent investigations led to Armstrong’s arrest in connection with this offense.
Additionally, a third individual, aged 39, who absconded alongside the pair was arrested in Bristol and appeared before the Bristol Magistrates’ Court. He faces charges of absconding and is scheduled to appear in Bristol Crown Court in February.
In response to the escape incident, a review of HMP Leyhill is set to be conducted within 20 days, as announced by Alex Davies-Jones MP, a junior minister in the Ministry of Justice, during a parliamentary session.
During the search for Armstrong and Washbourne, Avon and Somerset Police released CCTV images of the duo. A police spokesperson mentioned that urgent measures were taken, including nationwide alerts, address checks, and intelligence work to track their potential movements. Efforts were also made to inform the victims and families of the absconders’ past offenses sensitively through other police forces.