On New Year’s Day, a murderer and a violent offender were apprehended after escaping from an open prison. Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, were apprehended today after leaving HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire between 5 pm and 8 pm on January 1. Armstrong, who was convicted in 2009 of a robbery-related murder in Warwickshire, was captured near Henley-in-Arden train station in Warwickshire before midday following a public sighting.
Washbourne, with prior convictions for violence and false imprisonment, was arrested in Bristol city center around 1:30 am. Initially taken to the hospital due to existing injuries, he is now in police custody as confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police.
Armstrong was further detained on suspicion of robbery related to an incident near Leyhill on December 31, the day prior to his escape from HMP Leyhill. Following a home invasion where occupants were threatened and possessions stolen, including a mobile phone and cash, Armstrong was implicated in the offense after extensive investigative work by the authorities.
Another individual, aged 39, who absconded alongside Armstrong and Washbourne, was also arrested in Bristol. He appeared in Bristol Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled to appear before Bristol Crown Court in February on absconding charges.
In response to the escape incident, Alex Davies-Jones MP, a junior minister at the Ministry of Justice, announced that a review of HMP Leyhill will be conducted within 20 days.
During the pursuit of Armstrong and Washbourne, Avon and Somerset Police released CCTV images of the fugitives. The police spokesperson stated on Tuesday that urgent measures were taken, including national alerts, address checks, and intelligence operations to track the absconders’ potential whereabouts. Additionally, efforts were made to inform the victims and families of the escapees’ past crimes in a sensitive manner.
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