John Lee Riley was in prison for assault before his accidental release
John Lee Riley, 49, was mistakenly released from HMP Altcourse while serving a sentence for assault
A search is underway to find a man who was mistakenly released from prison in Liverpool. John Lee Riley was accidentally released from HMP Altcourse on Monday, June 8, and police are now urgently trying to find him.
Riley, who was serving a sentence for assault, is said to be from the Cheshire area but is originally from Liverpool, with Merseyside Police appealing for anyone who sees him to get in touch. The 49-year-old is described by the force as being around 5ft 7in tall, has a slim build with grey hair and blue eyes.
He speaks with a Liverpool accent and was last seen wearing a black jumper with “Jack Jones” on front, grey jogging bottoms with writing on the left leg, and also on the rear pocket, and black and white Puma trainers.
Riley has known links to Widnes, Wirral and Crewe.
Inspector Steve Reilly said: “If you see Riley or have any information whatsoever about his current whereabouts, then please get in touch as a matter of urgency so we can return him to prison.
“Please be assured that our inquiries are ongoing and we won’t stop until he’s back in custody where he belongs.
“I would also like to appeal to Riley himself to do the right thing and hand himself in if he sees this appeal.
“Let us know if you have any information and we will act swiftly to ensure he’s found as quickly as possible.”
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC.
“You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 26000460675.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.”
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