Convicted robber escapes from Kent open prison

Police Search for Convicted Robber Who Escaped Prison

Police are searching for a convicted robber who escaped from an open prison on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

Michael Dunn, 53, left HMP Standford Hill without permission at around 8:55 AM on Saturday, according to Kent Police.

He was sentenced to six years and four months in September 2023 after pleading guilty to robbery offenses in Maidstone.

Details of the Escape

Mr. Dunn was last seen wearing a grey hoodie, dark bottoms, black trainers, and a black hat and scarf, the police reported.

Officers are following multiple leads to find him and are asking for the public’s help.

Recent Prison Escapes

This incident follows the escape of three prisoners from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on New Year’s Day. Those prisoners have since been arrested.

In November, it was announced that HMP Standford Hill will expand as part of the government’s plan to add 14,000 prison places.

About Open Prisons

Open prisons, also known as Category D jails, have minimal security. They are typically used to house prisoners nearing the end of their sentences to help them reintegrate into society.

Due to overcrowding in higher security jails, policy changes allow more prisoners to transfer to open conditions earlier in their sentences.

Understanding Absconds

An abscond is an escape that does not involve overcoming a physical security barrier. It can only happen in open prison conditions.

Mark Drury, a serving governor, warned last November that public safety is “at risk” because more inmates are being sent to prisons with minimal security.

As a representative for open prison governors at the Prison Governors’ Association, he told Sky News that open prisons with no absconders for “many years” are now seeing a rise in cases.

Recent Data on Absconds

The Ministry of Justice has not released more recent data. However, there were 57 absconds in the year ending March 2025, with 15 individuals still at large after 30 days.