On New Year’s Day, two escaped prisoners, a murderer, and a violent offender, were apprehended by authorities. Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, were captured after fleeing HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on January 1 between 5pm and 8pm. Armstrong, convicted of a murder during a robbery in Warwickshire in 2009, was found near Henley-in-Arden train station following a tip from a vigilant member of the public.
Washbourne, with past convictions for violent offenses and false imprisonment, was taken into custody in Bristol city center around 1.30am. Initially, he was hospitalized due to pre-existing injuries but is now under police custody as confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police.
Armstrong faces additional suspicion of robbery related to an incident near Leyhill on December 31, the day before the prison escape. The incident involved a break-in where a mobile phone and cash were stolen after threatening the occupants. Investigations led to Armstrong’s arrest in connection with this offense.
Another accomplice, a 39-year-old man who absconded with Armstrong and Washbourne, was arrested in Bristol and appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court. He is set to appear before Bristol Crown Court in February on charges of absconding.
In response to the incident, a review of HMP Leyhill will be conducted within 20 days, as announced by Alex Davies-Jones MP during a parliamentary session. During the search for the fugitives, CCTV images of Armstrong and Washbourne were released by the police. Efforts included nationwide alerts, address checks, and intelligence operations to track their potential movements.
Police also reached out to inform the victims and families of the absconders’ prior offenses in a sensitive manner.