Third man charged with absconding from HMP Leyhill

He is to be charged in connection with men escaping custody from the South Gloucestershire prison

Author: Grace O'HarePublished 9th Jan 2026
Last updated 9th Jan 2026

A 35-year-old man is due to appear in court today charged with robbery and escaping lawful custody.

Matthew Armstrong was arrested near Henley-in-Arden train station on Wednesday, 7th January, by officers from Warwickshire Police.

He is the third person to be charged as part of the investigation into locating three men who absconded from HMP Leyhill, South Gloucestershire, on New Year’s Day.

Armstrong has also been charged with robbery, which took place on New Year’s Eve.

He will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court this morning (Friday, 9th January).

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