Two men given additional jail time after escaping Leyhill prison

Pair absconded on New Year’s Day and will serve an extra six months

Daniel Washbourne and Aaron Thomas
Author: Grace O'HarePublished 16th Feb 2026
Last updated 16th Feb 2026

Two men have been sentenced to an additional six months in prison after escaping from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire.

Aaron Thomas and Daniel Washbourne, aged 39 and 40 respectively, absconded from the prison on New Year’s Day.

Thomas was apprehended within 48 hours of the escape.

He was sentenced to six more months behind bars, which will be added to his current prison term.

Washbourne was found in Bristol on 7th January and has been handed the same sentence.

The court heard their cases on 9th February and 12th February.

A third man is still undergoing court proceedings on related charges of escaping lawful custody and committing robbery on New Year’s Eve.

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