Leyhill prison absconders jailed

Two burglars absconded from Leyhill open prison because one did not like being surrounded by sex offenders and the other was concerned about alcohol being available, a court heard.

Glyn Mundin, 37, from Stroud, and Jason Harper, 23, from Swindon, walked out of the jail near Thornbury on October 19 but were arrested the next day, Gloucester Crown Court was told yesterday.

By that time Harper had already committed another offence – receiving a stolen iPod worth £189, said prosecutor Rachael Scott.

Mundin and Harper both admitted escape from lawful custody and Harper admitted handling the iPod.

Judge Martin Picton sentenced them both to an extra 28 days prison for the escape and Harper to a further 14 days for the iPod offence.

For Harper, Alan Hobson said: "He didn't want to go to Leyhill because it was full of sex offenders."

For Mundin, Andrew Ray said: "He found conditions difficult as far as alcohol was concerned."