A manhunt for a convicted murder is well underway after he failed to return to HMP Sudbury following a period of leave.
Lee Nevins, who is sentenced to life imprisonment, was found guilty for the violent, unprovoked murder of disabled man Lee Jobling, 20, in 2006.
Nevins was jailed for life but just two years later in 2008, he escaped after going to hospital with an injured hand.
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He was on the run for several weeks, triggering a manhunt, before finally being caught in Scotland.
However, another manhunt has now been launched by police after the murderer absconded from HMP Sudbury open prison after being on a temporary license.
He failed to return to the category D prison in Derbyshire on Tuesday (27 September).
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Angela Knotts, the auntie of Jobling who raised him, has spoken of her fury over Nevins' escape, saying to Chronicle Live: "It's an insult to Lee (Jobling). I just feel as if he's done this awful crime and he's not faced up to what he's done and thinks he should be free. It's just horrible because you can't think of anything else.
"I got a call yesterday to say he hadn't returned on Tuesday night.
"They are saying to us that he's not a danger to the public and he's probably not to someone who can defend themselves. But to someone who is vulnerable he is.
"The police don't know where he is, but they say he has associates in the Northumbria area.
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"They are saying he's worked hard so he's in an open prison. But they know he's an absconder. They are saying they are doing all they can to make sure he doesn't get out of the country."
A Prison Service spokesperson said: "HMP Sudbury is working with police to recapture Lee Nevins quickly and on capture he faces longer behind bars."
Derbyshire Police have also said: "We are appealing for information after a convict has failed to return to HMP Sudbury.
"Lee Nevins did not return after a period of leave on a temporary licence from the open prison on Tuesday 27 September.
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"The 39-year-old was convicted in November 2006 for murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
"He is described as white, of slim build, and around 6ft tall with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo of a Tasmanian Devil on his arm.
"Mr Nevins has links to the Chester-le-Street, Gateshead and the wider Northumbria area."
LADbible have contacted Derbyshire Police for additional comment.
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Anyone who has seen Lee Nevins or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Derbyshire Police by quoting reference '22*563940' on:
- Facebook – send a private message
- Twitter – direct message on contact centre via @DerPolContact
- Website or use the online contact form
- Phone – call on 101
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.
Featured Image Credit: Derbyshire Police/SWNS