A convicted murderer who went on the run after absconding from an open prison and sparking a two-day manhunt has been recaptured, police said today.
Killer Jason Mills had fled HMP Leyhill, in Torthworth, Gloucestershire, on Wednesday, with police warning anyone who spots him to call 999 and not approach the convict.
The 49-year-old was locked up over 20 years ago for murdering his girlfriend and was serving a life sentence.
However, the prison is category D, meaning it has minimal security - with prisoners coming towards the end of their custody term often moved there.
Eligible convicts can be allowed to spend most of their day away from the facility on licence to carry out work, education or for other resettlement purposes.
Mills had been granted a temporary licence to attend Bridewell Police Station in Bristol at 9.45am on Wednesday (April 6), but failed to return to prison as required.
He was wearing a black Nike cap, black vest, blue coat, blue jeans and white Adidas trainers.
An Avon and Somerset Police put an appeal out on Thursday and warned anyone who saw him not to approach him.
Today the force confirmed on he had been arrested by British Transport Police close to Bristol Temple Meads, the city’s main train station.
Avon and Somerset Police thanked the public for sharing the appeal, adding: “The public’s support with our inquiries makes a significant difference.”
Mills, from Clacton, Essex, brutally murdered Toni Mills, 24.
During his court case in October 2001, it was revealed he had 99 previous convictions, mainly for theft.
However, one related to him threatening his partner with a knife, which was included in the trial.
He had denied murder, claiming Toni had suffered a fit.
Though evidence presented to jurors showed her injuries included internal and external bruising and damage to her abdomen which couldn’t have been caused by a single punch.
The jury reached a unanimous verdict and Mills was found guilty.
