Manhunt Launched After Violent Murderer With 99 Previous Convictions Fails To Return To Prison

Police have launched a manhunt for a violent murderer with 99 previous convictions after he failed to return to prison. 

Jason Mills, 49, was serving a life sentence for the brutal killing of his girlfriend, 24-year-old Toni Mills, back in 2001. 

During the court case it was revealed that he had 99 previous convictions, mainly for theft. But one in which he threatened a former girlfriend with a knife was included in the trial. 

Mills, from Clacton in Essex, was given a temporary licence and attended Bridewell Police Station yesterday (6 April), the Sun reports.

However, he didn’t return to HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire as he was supposed to that night, prompting police to raise the alarm. 

In a statement released today, Avon and Somerset Police wrote: “Can you help us find Jason Mills?

“Mills attended Bridewell Police Station in Bristol at 9.45am yesterday (Wednesday 6 April) but failed to return to HMP Leyhill as required.

“The 49-year-old was wearing a black Nike cap, black vest, blue coat, blue jeans and white Adidas trainers.

“Mills was convicted of a domestic murder in 2001. He is known to have links to Essex, where the offence took place.

“If you see Mills, please don’t approach, call 999 quoting reference 5222081856, or ring 101 with any other information.”

Mills was convicted of killing his girlfriend and sentenced to life in prison back in October 2001. 

During the trial, he denied murder, claiming Toni had suffered a fit. However, evidence showed her injuries included internal and external bruising and damage to her abdomen which couldn’t have been caused by a single punch. 

The jury reached a unanimous verdict and Mills was found guilty. Since his recent escape, the police are following procedures to ensure he is found. 

The news arrives just two weeks after another convicted killer escaped from prison for a second time. 

Members of the public were told not to approach 39-year-old Shane Farrington, who escaped after last being spotted at HMP Thorn Cross in Appleton in Cheshire at 6.45pm on Thursday 24 March.

A manhunt was launched by Cheshire Police and they asked for anyone with any information that could lead to Farrington's recapture to come forward.

Farrington was convicted of manslaughter in 2009 after he attacked and killed another prisoner in his cell at HMP Peterborough on 11 September 2008.

Prior to his escape, he was seen wearing a dark top bearing some writing on the front, as well as blue jeans, black shoes, and a dark coat.

According to the police, he was also carrying a black backpack.

Warrington Police tweeted: "We're appealing for information on the whereabouts of Shane Farrington who has absconded from HMP Thorn Cross.

"If you see him or have info that could assist in locating him please do not approach him and instead call 999 quoting IML 1230000."

Farrington was found and re-arrested in Manchester two days later.