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Man in court accused of absconding from prison

Alastair McKeeand
Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley,Bristol
News imageBBC The road leading towards the entrance to HMP Leyhill on a sunny day. At the front of the image is a low stone wall. There is a large tree stump just right of the centre which has a green sign on it saying 'HMP Leyhill 75 1946 2021'. There are trees in the background, a small redbrick building to the left of the image and a blue and a white camper van parked to the right.BBC
Aaron Thomas, 39, was arrested in Bristol on Saturday after absconding from HMP Leyhill

A man has appeared in court charged with absconding from an open prison on New Year's Day.

Aaron Thomas was arrested in Bristol on Saturday, after leaving HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on Thursday and allegedly failing to return alongside two other prisoners.

Thomas later attended the Bristol Royal Infirmary before voluntarily handing himself in to police for arrest, Bristol Magistrates' Court was told earlier.

The 39-year-old, officially charged with escaping from lawful custody, appeared at court wearing dark prescription glasses, grey tracksuit trousers, a grey T-shirt and a dark grey fleece with a shaved head and beard. He made no plea.

Thomas is being held in custody until his next appearance at Bristol Crown Court on 9 February.

News imageAvon and Somerset Police On left of split picture, Matthew Armstrong is looking at the camera, wearing glasses. He is balding, and has a faint, stubbly beard. He is wearing a dark coat. On the right, Daniel Washbourne is looking at the camera with a stubbly moustache, very short dark hair and a grey, collared top on.Avon and Somerset Police
Matthew Armstrong (L) and Daniel Washbourne absconded from prison on Thursday

Two other inmates who absconded from the same prison on Thursday - Daniel Washbourne, 40, and convicted murderer Matthew Armstrong, 35 - are still on the run.

The pair have links to Warwickshire and Herefordshire.

Avon and Somerset Police said inquiries to locate the men were ongoing.

The force has urged the public not to approach them but to call 999 immediately if they are spotted.

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