Pentonville prison fugitives: Escape sparked by years of cuts, Prison Officers Association claim

Escaped fugitives: Matthew Baker and James Whitlock broke out of Pentonville prison on Monday
PA
Fiona Simpson8 November 2016
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The escape of two inmates from Pentonville was sparked by years of under-investment and staff cuts, the Prison Officers Association has claimed.

A man-hunt is underway after the men cut through the bars of their cells and scaled the perimeter wall of the north London jail on Monday.

Police have issued a warning to Londoners not to approach the men over fears they may become violent.

Baker was locked-up for attempted murder after stabbing a man 25 times with a broken bottle in Dagenham, in March last year, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

Whitlock was being held on remand charged with 19 counts of conspiracy to burgle from cash machines across the south-east.

The men - understood to be cellmates – are said to have used diamond-tipped cutting equipment to break through bars before scaling a perimeter wall.

It has been claimed that their beds were stuffed with pillows to make it look like they were asleep.

Escaped prisoner: James Whitlock is charged with 19 counts of conspiracy to burgle 
Met Police

The incident has sparked fresh scrutiny of the state of prisons in England and Wales following a slew of warnings about safety.

Steve Gillan, general secretary of the union, said investigations into the break-out should fall on the Government rather than officers at the north London jail.

On the run: Matthew Baker was found guilty of attempted murder

He said: "There has been under-investment in Pentonville for many years. We have highlighted our concerns.

"We know the focus now will be on Pentonville prison officers but the reality of the situation is the focus should be on Government and their budget cuts that have created this situation.

"The basics of security aren't getting done simply because there is not enough staff to deal with the daily tasks."

A woman who visited the jail said an inmate had told her the two prisoners escaped through a cell window on the fifth floor. She said it was rumoured they used bed sheets to lower themselves down.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information about the two men.

The Metropolitan Police said: "The public are being advised not to approach the men who absconded from HMP Pentonville on Monday 7 November and remain at large."

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