A convicted murderer is on the run after absconded from an open prison which has been criticised for its lax security.
Jeremy Brabrooke, 56, has failed to return to Ford Prison, where he is serving a life sentence, after he left on Wednesday, police said.
Brabrooke was caged for life in 1988 for murder in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
The Category D prison, in West Sussex, previously hit headlines after it emerged 70 people, including three murderers, absconded in one year.
A Sussex Police spokesman said anyone who spots Brabrooke should immediately dial 999.
He said: “Police are searching for wanted man Jeremy Brabrooke, who has absconded from Ford Prison.
“Officers are keen to locate and detain the 56-year-old, who was last seen at the prison on Wednesday, November 14.
“He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1988 for murder in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and is known to have links to Hayling Island and Portsmouth in Hampshire.
“Anyone who sees him or knows where he may be is asked to call 999.”
The force was unable to give details of Brabrooke’s murder conviction.
HMP Ford was also embroiled in controversy on New Years Day 2011 when inmates rioted after they were ordered to take breathalyser tests.
Some 40 prisoners started fired, smashed windows and set fire alarms.
The prison has capacity for 544 inmates and has “an emphasis on resettlement”, according to the Ministry of Justice.
The MoJ said: “HMP Ford accepts offenders with under two years left to serve or those allocated to an open establishment by the Parole Board.”
A description of the prison adds: “All offenders have a valuable role to play within the community and as with normal day to day living are encouraged to make individual choices and accept the consequences of their choices and actions.
“HMP Ford expects a strong work ethic unless unable to do so due to medical exemptions or age.”
By Lewis Pennock
