MURDER suspect Craig Rouget was on the run for an hour after escaping from prison over the weekend. The 18-year-old was with a working party outside Les Nicolles’ perimeter when he absconded.

Home minister Geoff Mahy confirmed yesterday that an escape had taken place, but could not verify reports that the prisoner had been arrested at his home at Braye Road, Vale.

‘We will be treating an incident like this extremely seriously. Even though the prisoner has not been convicted, he is on remand for a serious offence,’ he said.

Deputy Mahy said prison governor Terry Wright had called him late on Saturday afternoon to tell him of the escape. The police had been informed. Mr Rouget is understood to have absconded at about 4.10pm.

About half an hour later, Mr Wright called him back to say that the prisoner had been recaptured.

‘I have asked Mr Wright for a full report of the circumstances, and the risk assessment surrounding the escape to be prepared for the next board meeting, which is on Monday.’

Deputy Mahy said it was normal for prisoners to work beyond the boundary walls from time to time following a risk assessment and he would need to see what action had been taken in that particular case.

‘As politicians, we are not involved in the day-to-day running of the prison, though ultimately we are accountable. If there is any need for a change in procedures, we will certainly look at it.’

He hoped that the report would be available as soon as possible but said the prison shift system could slow things up because senior officers would need to confirm facts.

Deputy Mahy said his predecessor, Chief Minister Mike Torode, had been told of the escape.

‘We shall not be leaving any stone unturned and we will be open and honest about the whole thing.’

Inspector Terry Coule said police were investigating an incident involving a prisoner.

‘We are looking into the circumstances behind the incident and there are no prisoners outstanding.’

He would not confirm that the incident concerned Mr Rouget and could provide no further details.

It is understood that Mr and Mrs Dean were informed of Mr Rouget’s escape.