Murderer escapes from open prison

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Anthony McGovern, 30, went missing from Leyhill open prison in South Gloucestershire on April 7.

McGovern, originally from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, was convicted for murder in 1998.

Police described McGovern as white, 5ft 9ins tall, with brown hair and of slim build.

Another man, Alan Baker, 37, who was convicted of attempted murder, also in 1998, absconded from the prison on the same day.

He is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build, with brown receding hair.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police advised members of the public not to approach the two men but to contact officers immediately. He said that the two men were no longer believed to be in the Avon and Somerset area.

Leyhill was branded Britain's "softest prison" last year after figures revealed an average of one inmate escaped every week.

Of those, 22 were murderers, five had convictions for manslaughter, 24 were drug dealers, 57 had been convicted of robbery, seven of rape and 125 had committed burglary.

But the Home Office has insisted open prisons such as Leyhill serve an important role in preparing offenders for their reintegration back into society.