Manhunt after farmer killer escapes jail

The killer of a 61-year-old farmer has escaped jail, sparking a massive manhunt in the Midlands.

Police have revealed that Ashley Squires (pictured) – who was jailed for the manslaughter of farmer Michael Boffey – escaped from Sudbury open prison, Derbyshire, on 21 August.

Mr Squires was serving a 12-year sentence for knocking down and killing Mr Boffey at Grange Farm, near Hinckley, Leicestershire, in August 2005.

The farmer suffered serious head injuries as he tried to stop Mr Squires and his brother from stealing his Land Rover.

The killer – who admitted manslaughter – was moved to HMP Sudbury, near Ashbourne, after serving four years of his sentence.

Mr Boffey’s family have slammed the decision to move the man to an open prison.

Michael Boffey’s son, William said: “It would be an injustice if he is not picked up and brought back to prison.

“The people who make the decisions on whether prisoners are held in open prisons have a difficult job to do, but in this case we think they have misjudged this man.”

The Prison Officers Association said that numerous prisoners had escaped from Sudbury in recent years, including several convicted murderers.

Mr Squires is described as white, 5ft 10in and of medium build. He has short blond hair, green eyes and an East Anglian accent.