Drugs Gang Fugitive Nabbed in Germany After Prison Escape
A convicted drug gang member has been caught in Germany after a daring escape from HMP Sudbury, an open prison nestled in the Derbyshire Dales.
Dean Woods Vanishes During Day Release
Dean Woods, 41, fled the open prison on Saturday, November 19, 2022, while out on a day release. When he didn’t return, prison staff quickly raised the alarm. Derbyshire police launched an urgent manhunt.
Alias and Passport Trick Confounded Police
Unknown to authorities, Woods had slipped away from liverpool/" title="Liverpool" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Liverpool using a passport in the name “Simon Corner.” He had legally changed his identity while behind bars, making him a tricky target to track down.
Months-Long Hunt Ends at Frankfurt Airport
After months of relentless detective work and securing an International Arrest Warrant, officers caught Woods on August 13 as he travelled from Dublin to Frankfurt Airport. He was flown back to the UK on September 4 to face justice.
Back Behind Bars, But No New Charges
Woods has been placed in a Category B prison to serve the remaining 10 years of his 12-year sentence. Despite his escape and international flight, no additional charges followed. The offence of “unlawfully at large” doesn’t exist in Germany, blocking further legal action.
Detective Chief Superintendent Gemma Booth praised the tireless efforts of the International Liaison Office detectives: “Dean Woods made a concerted effort to not only leave the UK to escape serving the jail time he had been given for very serious offences but also to remain free through a variety of criminal means. Despite his best efforts, I am pleased to report that he is now safely detained.”
