Police Arrest Convicted Rapist After Escape From Prison

Police have apprehended Daniel Thompson, a convicted rapist who escaped from an open prison in South Gloucestershire.

Thompson, 34, from Warrington, absconded from HMP Leyhill at 11:45 AM on Friday, where he was serving a sentence for raping a woman in Warrington in 2009.

Avon and Somerset Police located and arrested him near Leyhill earlier today, Saturday.

In April 2009, Thompson forced his way into his victim's flat in Warrington as she returned from volunteering at her church. He then raped her twice.

He was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term for the crime, which was deemed one of the worst attacks in recent times.

During the six-day trial, a jury heard that there was a one in a billion chance that blood found on Thompson's sweatshirt belonged to anyone other than the victim or a family member.

Judge Stephen Clarke stated, "These were horrific offences. In the scale of rape, they were in the most serious bracket. The evidence was extremely strong, if not overwhelming. When she (the victim) was giving evidence on a number of occasions she was actually physically sick."

Police are urging anyone with information about Thompson's whereabouts to contact them immediately.

A police statement reads: "If you see Daniel Thompson, who may be using the name Gavin Barry, in Warrington or elsewhere in Cheshire, do not approach him. Instead, call us on 999, quoting IML 484890. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. We also want to hear from anyone who has any information regarding his whereabouts."