Fourth prisoner on the run in one month from low-security jail
A violent drug dealer who failed to return from day release to an open prison has become the fourth prisoner to flee the jail in the space of a month.
Robert Shannon Smith, 28, left HMP Sudbury on temporary licence on Friday and has not been seen since.
Just under four weeks ago, ‘dangerous’ burglars Sam Hawkins, 34, and Darren McKay, 37, escaped the prison by jumping the fence at around 10.45pm.
Two days later, arsonist Adam Curtling, 35, absconded and a man fitting his description was seen driving a silver Mercedes C-Class.
Police have warned people not to approach any of the four individuals.
HMP Sudbury, which houses 581 prisoners, is a Category D jail, meaning it has minimal security as offenders have been risk-assessed and trusted not to escape.
Prisoners eligible for day release can apply to spend most of their day away from the facility for work, education or other purposes.
The latest fugitive, Smith, was five years into a sentence for supplying cannabis, cocaine and possessing an offensive weapon when he absconded.
Hawkins was two years into a nine-and-a-half year sentence for burglary, theft, and driving offences committed while part of prolific South London gang.
McKay was convicted of burglary and driving offences at St Alban’s Crown Court last year.
The pair were seen on the A515 highway carrying rucksacks, while one had a bag and a towel around his neck.
Curtling was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court in 2008 for arson and affray.
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