By On-the-run prisoner denied parole five times before being moved
The convicted sex offender who is currently on the run from prison was denied parole five times before he was moved to the open prison.
Paul Robson, 56, was reported missing from the open prison at around 7am on Sunday 13th February.
He is currently serving a life sentence for attempted rape and indecent assault.
Lincolnshire Police have now started a manhunt for the missing prisoner who could be “anywhere in the country” but have warned the public not to approach him.
He has been described as a “particular danger to women and young children”.
Robson was jailed at Oxford Crown Court in 2000 after he entered a woman’s home through a cat flap before tying her up, putting a pillowcase over her head, and brutally assaulting her while holding a knife to her throat.
Now, information from the Parole Board has emerged showing that Robson was denied five parole pleas before he was moved.
The Parole Board turned down a fifth plea from Robson in February 2021 but instead had him moved North Sea Camp, with the Justice Secretary stating that Robson was “suitable for a move to open conditions to test whether he would eventually be safe for release”.
The Parole Board added that Robson’s tariff for his minimum sentence in prison expired in 2009 and that it was recommended he was moved to open conditions after his fifth parole hearing.
According to the board, expert testimony was given from two individuals that supported the move of Robson to an open prison.
Yesterday Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed said he had written to the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab seeking reassurances over public safety following Robson’s escape.
Mr Reed said he had sought clarification from Mr Raab over “why such a dangerous criminal was deemed fit to be in an open prison where he could abscond”.
Robson is described as white, of slim build, bald and was last seen with a long goatee beard.
Anyone who might have seen Robson or who has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Lincolnshire Police by calling 999.
