Violent robber Wayne Whitley absconds from Kirkham prison

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/31/violent-robber-wayne-whitley-absconds-kirkham-prison

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A violent armed robber has absconded from open prison in another blow for the government on a day of damning revelations for the Prison Service.

Wayne Whitley, 40, who was serving a life sentence for a series of armed robberies, went missing from HMP Kirkham 12 days ago, but his absence has only just been revealed by Greater Manchester police (GMP).

His disappearance comes as a raft of bleak figures published by the Ministry of Justice revealed a 10% rise in abscondments in the last year, as well as increases in deaths in custody, assaults on prison staff and the number of jails considered to be "of concern".

Whitley, who has links to areas across Greater Manchester, is described as a black man of slim athletic build. It is not known what he was wearing when he left prison, a GMP statement said.

Detective Inspector Robert Cousen, from GMP's serious crime division, said: "Whitley escaped from lawful custody on July 19 and we are making every effort to find him. He is not to be approached by members of the public, but if anyone sees him or knows of his whereabouts, please contact GMP on 101 immediately."

People could also pass on information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"I would also urge Whitley to hand himself in at his nearest police station and to remind people that if anyone is found to be assisting or harbouring Whitley, they too will face being arrested and a possible prison sentence of their own," Cousen said.

Whitley is the third prisoner to abscond from HMP Kirkham this month.

Philip Stephenson, 33, and Gareth Robinson, 24, escaped from the category D facility earlier in July. Stephenson was serving a sentence for firearms offences while Robinson was in prison for burglary.