Newmarket Prisoner Escapes

15 June 2010, 10:33 | Updated: 15 June 2010, 14:33

A prisoner is on the run from a jail near Newmarket after convincing prison staff he was a different inmate and due for early release.

25 year old James Whitlock [pictured - right] walked out of HMP Edmunds Hill in Stradishall at 9:00am yesterday morning, unchallenged by guards.

He was given permission for early release after applying to the Prison Service for licence using another inmate's name who was serving a sentence at the same prison.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a prisoner from HMP Edmunds Hill left the prison without authorisation yesterday after claiming a licence for temporary release in another prisoner's name.

An investigation has been launched at the prison and this matter is now in the hands of the police."

He has connections to Walton on the Nayes, Great Dunmow, Frinton on Sea, kirby Cross and Chingford in the Essex area, and to Maidenhead in Berkshire.

If anyone sees him, they are advised not to approach him but to phone Suffolk Police with details on 01473 613 500.

HMP Edmunds Hill is a category C prison which caters for 379 inmates who cannot be trusted in open conditions but classed as unlikely to escape.

It has boasted a string of illustrious inmates including singer Boy George, Jade Goody's ex-husband Jack Tweed and disgraced Met Police chief Ali Dizaei.