By Lucy Caulkett-
A manhunt is now underway after two dangerous inmates managed to escape from a Derbyshire prison.
Sam Hawkins(main picture) and Darren McKay jumped the fence at HMP Sudbury in Derbyshire earlier this week, escaping with their luggage after one was seen carrying two bags and the other holding a single rucksack with a towel around his neck.
The duo were caught on camera making their escape at 10.15pm on Monday, in what is a deep embarassment to the prison security system.
Derbyshire Police is now searching for the pair and have warned members of the public not to approach the dangerous offenders if they are spotted.
The force said they were last seen on the A515 heading towards Ashbourne, Derbys., after they absconded from the Category D open prison.
McKay, 37, is described as being around 6ft 2ins tall, with blue eyes, brown hair and is of stocky build with tattoos on his arms.
He was convicted at St Alban’s Crown Court for burglary and driving offences last year and has links to Luton, Beds., and Harpenden, Herts.
Hawkins, 34, was jailed at Snaresbrook Crown Court in 2019 for burglary, theft and driving offences.
He was part of a gang locked up for nearly 50 years for a series of ram raids across the capital and is described as being 5ft 7ins, with brown hair, brown eyes and of medium build.
McKay, who was last year convicted at St Alban’s Crown Court for burglary and driving offences, has been described as being about 6ft 2ins in height, with a stocky build and tattooed arms. He has blue eyes and brown hair. It’s understood that McKay has links to Luton, Bedfordshire and Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
Darren Mckay has links to Luton, as well as the Harpenden area of Hertfordshire. Image: Derbyshire Police
Hawkins appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court back in 2019, where he was found guilty of burglary, theft and driving offences. He is said to be 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Hawkins had been part of a gang jailed for almost 50 years for carrying out a series of ram raids across London. He reportedly has connections to the Bexley Heath, Plumstead and Thamesmead areas of the capital.