Manhunt for prisoner freed in early release scheme

A man released from prison on licence is wanted by police after removing his GPS tag.

Cameron Evans, 32, was released from HMP Onley as part of the early release scheme in September, but has now breached his licence.

He was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court in March for multiple counts of assault, and possession of a knife.

Thames Valley Police said he is known to frequent Abingdon and Drayton, and if anyone sees him to not approach him and call 999 instead.

Evans's licence has been revoked and he has been recalled to custody after removing his tag and failing to attend appointments, police added.

He is described as white, about 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build, and with blue eyes and shaved brown hair.

Investigating officer Det Con Michael Hopcroft said: "Cameron Evans was released from HMP Onley on licence with strict conditions and a GPS tag to manage his reintegration into the general public.

"Evans has made the decision to breach these conditions and remove his GPS tag.

"We are appealing for the public’s help in locating Evans to bring him back to custody."

Evans, of no fixed abode, had pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating, and possession of a knife.

He was sentenced to two years in prison.

The BBC understands he was released on 10 September, along with about 1,700 other prisoners. On 30 September he would have reached the 50% mark on his sentence.

Offenders who had served 40% of their sentence were eligible for the early release scheme.

A HM Prison and Probation Service spokesperson said: "Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and we do not hesitate to recall them to prison if they break the rules."

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