Another prisoner absconded from the open jail this weekend, but the Prison Service has confirmed that, in reality, the number of absconders is half that of pre-pandemic levels.
The most recent absconder from HMP Hollesley Bay is John Wickens, who was last seen at 9pm on Thursday, August 3.
Police are appealing for help in tracing the 34-year-old, who is serving a six-month sentence for burglary and theft.
The most recent absconder from HMP Hollesley Bay is John Wickens, who was last seen at 9pm on Thursday, August 3. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)
Hollesley Bay, located just eight miles away from the market town of Woodbridge, is a prison and young offender institution for men over the age of 18.
As an open jail, the prison has minimal supervision and perimeter security and only holds Category D prisoners who present a "low risk".
The Prison Service believes open conditions are an "important means of furthering the rehabilitation of offenders, especially those who have spent many years in closed conditions, preparing them for eventual release to help cut reoffending and protect the public."
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Hollesley Bay, located just eight miles away from the market town of Woodbridge, is a prison and young offender institution for men over the age of 18. (Image: Newsquest)
The latest figures show there were 63 absconders in the year ending March 2023, compared to 119 in the year ending March 2018.
A Prison Service spokesman said: "The number of absconds at HMP Hollesley Bay has reduced thanks to our hardworking staff, but prisoners who break the rules are punished and face extra jail time."
The Hollesley Bay absconder who has been missing the longest by far is Gerry Sargeant who was last seen nearly five years ago on September 9, 2018.
Gerry Sargeant, 61, was last seen nearly five years ago on September 9, 2018. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)
The 61-year-old had been released on a temporary license to attend a work placement in Bury St Edmunds, but never returned to serve his 15-year sentence for robbery and theft.
The Prison Service made it clear that any offender who fails to abide by the "stringent" conditions of an open jail is excluded from returning to an open prison for at least two years.
Anyone who has seen an absconder from Hollesley Bay prison, knows of their whereabouts or has seen someone matching their description should contact Suffolk police.
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