Prison absconder flees hospital
14 February, 2008
Nottinghamshire Police are appealing for a 31-year-old man who escaped from custody while receiving treatment at the Queens Medical Centre to hand himself in.Neil Francis Byrne (pictured), who is from Nottingham, had previously absconded from HMP Sudbury and was taken into police custody on Tuesday, February 12.
He was taken to the QMC from the Bridewell custody suite later that day after officers were informed that he may have swallowed some packets of drugs before handing himself in.
Escaped
Byrne escaped at around 1810hrs on Wednesday, February 13, after jumping from a toilet window on the second floor and, despite efforts overnight to track him down, police have been unable to locate him.
Officers are appealing for him to hand himself in as they are concerned for his health in case any of the packets of drugs he has swallowed splits, which could have serious consequences. Police are also asking anyone who knows where Byrne is to contact them immediately.
Tattoo of a Panther
Byrne is described as a white male, 5ft 10in tall, with blue eyes and short-cropped, mousy brown coloured hair. He also has a tattoo of a panther on each of his lower arms.
When he was last seen, he was wearing a pale blue, pink and grey jumper with a hoop design, jeans and white trainers.
Byrne may have injured himself while escaping, and may be limping heavily.
Anyone who has seen a man matching this description, or who knows where Byrne is, should not approach him but should call Nottinghamshire Police immediately on 999, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
By editor@nottinghamng9.co.uk.
