Police hunt for missing prisoner

Police hunt for missing prisoner

Mohammed Sultan was serving a three-year sentence for assault
Police say they are trying to find a prisoner who had been released on a temporary licence from an open prison in Monmouthshire.

Mohammed Sultan, 36, was jailed last year for causing grievous bodily harm.

He had been released from Prescoed Prison in Usk but has failed to stay in contact with probation officers.

Sultan is now considered to be "unlawfully at large". People are being warned not to approach him if they see him and call the police.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service said: "We can confirm that a prisoner from Prescoed prison who was released on temporary licence failed to comply with terms of his licence.

"Mohammed Sultan was serving 3 years imprisonment for GBH and was due for release in February 2009.

"This is now a matter for the police".

Prison officials said the use of temporary release was to help inmates develop contact with family and friends as they prepare for the end of their sentences.

The prison spokesperson explained: "In addition to home visits, temporary release also facilitates opportunities for suitable prisoners nearing the end of their sentence to find appropriate employment, and other rehabilitation projects in the wider community.

"Release on temporary licence is only allowed following very stringent risk assessment".

Gwent Police said it had activated its operational plan for dealing with missing prisoners and that the prison was co-operating fully with them.

Officers said members of the public should not to approach Mohammed Sultan, but if he is sighted should call the police on 01633 838111.


(Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/7453996.stm)