A criminal serving a life sentence for firearm and robbery offences who absconded from Hollesley Bay last October has handed himself in to police around 300 miles away in Exeter.

Members of the public were warned not to approach Anthony Hagger, 55, when he was reported missing from the open prison.

He went missing after being released from Hollesley Bay on temporary licence to receive treatment at Ipswich Hospital on October 11 last year.

He handed himself into Exeter Police yesterday evening and will be returned to the prison system, a Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said today.

The force spokesman said: “Police would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance with this appeal.”

Last October, a prison service spokesman said all offenders must past a full risk assessment before being considered for release on a temporary licence.