A violent armed robber dubbed the ‘skull cracker’ has gone on the run after being allowed out of an open prison in Kent.
Police are currently searching for Michael Wheatley, 55, after he failed to return to HMP Standford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey.
Wheatley is serving 13 life sentences after being convicted of a string of violent armed raids on banks and building societies in 2001-2002.
He earned the nickname ‘skull cracker’ due to his use of an imitation firearm for his robberies, which he used as a blunt instrument to beat people into submission, including on one occasion a 74-year-old woman.
Conservative backbencher Philip Davies questioned why he was in an open prison in the first place, saying:
It is completely ludicrous that a serving life sentence prisoner is even in an open prison where they can simply walk out.
As far as I am concerned whoever allowed him to be in an open prison should be sacked, it is a complete disgrace.
The top priority for the prison service should be the protection of the public.
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling needs to put in charge of the prison service someone who will see protection of the public as a top priority.
