Second Prisoner Goes On Run From Same Jail

A prisoner has gone on the run from a Suffolk jail - less than 48 hours since another man absconded from the same facility.

Police issued an appeal after they were contacted by officials at Hollesley Bay prison, who informed them Lewis Powter was no longer at the premises.

The 30-year-old - who has a Dennis the Menace tattoo on his right arm - was last seen at 6.50pm on Sunday and was not present for the 8pm roll check.

He was serving an indeterminate sentence for grievous bodily harm with intent, and is described as white, around 5ft 10ins, of medium build, clean-shaven with brown hair and blue eyes.

The last time Powter was seen he was wearing a blue jumper with a white T-shirt underneath, blue jeans and white Ralph Lauren trainers.

Police say he has connections in the Cambridgeshire area.

It comes after Hollesley Bay contacted Suffolk Police just after 1pm on Saturday reporting that 49-year-old Paul Oddysses had left the premises.

Oddysses, who was serving a life sentence for attempted robbery and robbery with a firearm, is described as white, around 5ft 6ins, of thin build, with brown hair, brown eyes and clean-shaven.

After Oddysses' disappearance, a Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "The Justice Secretary has been clear that keeping the public safe is our priority and has ordered immediate and major changes to tighten up temporary release processes and open prison eligibility.

"Absconds have reached record lows under this Government - down 80% over the last 10 years - but each and every incident is taken seriously, with the police contacted as a matter of urgency.

"Open prisons and temporary licence are an important tool in rehabilitating long term offenders but not at the expense of public safety."