An escaped prisoner called BirminghamLive to say that the prison was “driving me crazy” – but promised to surrender. Gregor Gray, 42, is from Birmingham.
He was serving a 17-year sentence for robbery when he fled from HMP Sudbury in Derbyshire on May 15. Understandably, his original sentence was only three years, but he remains in prison as he is the subject of a controversial IPP (imprisonment for public protection).
Police warned the public not to approach the fugitive. In an emotional phone conversation with our reporter, Gray said he intends to surrender before his next parole hearing.
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Speaking about the years in prison he has spent, he said: “We have been in prison for the last 17 years. This is driving me crazy.”
The long-term prisoner added that he plans to return to prison before his next parole hearing on June 14th. In one outburst, he told us, “I was just thinking of giving them the raw, uncut emotion that I deal with on a daily basis.”
Gray did not indicate where he was during our brief phone call. It is understandable that it was originally subject to a minimum three-year IPP.
Offenders convicted of IPP are given a minimum period of time before they can apply to the Parole Board for release. But the board will only release an offender if it is convinced that it is no longer necessary to keep him in prison to protect society.
The IPP was launched in 2005, but was abolished in 2012 after being described as the “single biggest stain” in the criminal justice system by former Supreme Court Justice Lord Brown. But the decision was not retrospective – meaning that IPPs still have to apply to the parole board for their release.
HMP Sudbury (Image: SWNS.com)
In a previous statement, Derbyshire police said about the escaped convict: “We appeal for information after the convict hid from HMP Sudbury. Gregor Gray left the open prison on Sunday, May 15.
“The 42-year-old, who is serving a life sentence for robbery, has been described as black, 5 feet 11 inches tall and stocky. He is known to use the pseudonyms of Moses Blake, McGregor Gray and Marcus Osborne and has ties to Leicester and the Birmingham area.
“Anyone who has seen him or knows his whereabouts has been asked to contact the Derbyshire police, citing reference number 688-150522. If you see Gray, please do not approach him, but contact the police immediately.
“You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org. In an emergency, you should always call 999. ”
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