THERE were demands for an inquiry into security at Ford open prison today after a THIRD prisoner went on the run in the space of a week.

So far, ten inmates have absconded from the jail near Arundel this year.

The latest escapers include Thomas Tangney, 49, a former heroin addict serving 99 years for blasting a pensioner to death with a shotgun.

He is now believed to be hiding in London.

Arundel and South Downs MP Howard Flight said today that there should be a Prison Service inquiry.

He said: "The whole thing is a shambles. I think it's obvious that too many are getting out and it's embarrassing.

"They are selecting the wrong people for Ford Prison."

The latest escapee is David Bailey, 57, found to be missing on Monday night.

Bailey is serving three years and two months for burglary, theft, and committing offences during the course of a previous 42-month sentence for handling stolen property.

Andrew Nelson, 28, serving three years and five months for wounding, theft and driving offences, escaped on Thursday before being captured on Friday in London.

But ten prisoners have escaped from the 114-acre open prison so far this year and four have still not been caught.

Two years ago 69 prisoners escaped, of whom six are still at large, and last year 43 got out. Seven of those are still on the run.

Ford parish councillor John Dickeson backed the call for an inquiry into the number of escapes, adding: "It's a bizarre situation. They are sending the wrong sort of prisoners there.

"Ford is an open prison for prisoners who behave themselves."

APrison Service spokesman said: "Of course prisoners should abide by the rules and they know the penalty if they don't.

"When they are recaptured, they will be sent to a closed prison."

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