Two fugitives, a murderer, and a violent criminal were apprehended following their escape from an open prison on New Year’s Day. Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, were captured after absconding from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire between 5 pm and 8 pm on January 1. Armstrong, convicted in 2009 for a murder committed during a robbery in Warwickshire, was apprehended near Henley-in-Arden train station in Warwickshire following a tip-off from a member of the public.
Washbourne, with prior convictions for assault and false imprisonment, was arrested in Bristol city center around 1:30 am. He was initially taken to the hospital due to pre-existing injuries but is now in police custody as confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police.
Armstrong was also arrested on suspicion of robbery related to an incident near Leyhill on December 31, the night before his prison escape. Authorities reported that a man had forcibly entered a residence, threatened the occupants, and stolen a mobile phone and cash. Investigations led to Armstrong’s arrest in connection with the crime.
Another man, aged 39, who fled with Armstrong and Washbourne, was apprehended in Bristol on Saturday. He appeared in Bristol Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled to appear before Bristol Crown Court in February on charges of absconding.
Following 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 at the Ministry of Justice.
During the search for Armstrong and Washbourne, Avon and Somerset Police released CCTV images of the pair. A police spokesperson mentioned that urgent measures were taken, including national alerts, address checks, and intelligence operations to track their movements. Efforts were also made to inform the victims and families of the escapees’ past offenses in a sensitive manner.
