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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Olivia Williams

Armed robber who assaulted woman, 82, wanted on recall to prison

A wanted man who served a prison sentence for robbery and assault is wanted on recall to prison.

Michael Johnston was jailed for 12 years with an extended five years on licence in May 2010, after admitting attempted robbery and wounding following a violent attack on two security guards in June 2009. In February 2016, the now 40-year-old was released from prison after serving half of this sentence.

However, a few months later, Johnston was arrested when police were called to reports of a stolen vehicle being driven dangerously in Huyton. Alcohol-fuelled Johnston then assaulted an 82-year-old woman as he tried to escape officers during the chase.

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He was eventually Tasered by police and brought back into custody, where he was charged with assault and criminal damage. But instead of being recalled to prison to serve out the remainder of his sentence, Johnston was then released on bail with “stringent conditions”.

He went on the run, sparking further attempts to find him, which resulted in his arrest in Wavertree two weeks later. Johnston admitted aggravated vehicle taking, common assault, driving while disqualified, drink driving and criminal damage on October 20, 2016.

Johnston appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and accepted taking a Ford Focus, which he drove dangerously along Hillside Road, Liverpool Road and Dinas Lane in Huyton on July 31, 2016. He was later sentenced.

Today, Merseyside Police are appealing for help in finding Johnston who is wanted on recall to prison. The 40-year-old is wanted for reportedly breaching the conditions of his licence.

He was recalled to prison on April 12. Johnston is described as a white male, 5ft 6in tall, of proportionate build with shaved dark brown hair and brown eyes.

He is known to have links to the Knowsley and Manchester areas. Anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.

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