Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people have escaped from Category D prisons in the last 10 years.

An escape that does not involve overcoming a physical security restraint or barrier (such as that provided by a wall or fence, locks, bolts or bars, a secure vehicle, handcuffs or the direct supervision of staff) is classified as an abscond. By definition, absconds are only possible from prisons with open conditions (Category D).

Data on absconds are published annually in the HMPPS Annual Digest. The requested information can be found via the following link: Absconds Data.

Public protection is our top priority. When a prisoner absconds, police are immediately notified and are responsible for locating the offender. The majority of absconders are quickly recaptured and returned to custody.

Those who abscond face serious consequences, including being returned to closed prison conditions, where they may serve up to two additional years on conviction.