A Gateshead killer who went on the run for the second time after absconding from an open prison has been caught.
Lee Nevins had been on the run for almost two weeks after failing to return to HMP Sudbury in Derbyshire, where he was out on day release. Derbyshire Police launched a hunt for the convicted murderer who was jailed for life for killing disabled Lee Jobling in 2006.
Now the force has confirmed that Nevins was found by officers from Northumbria Police in Washington on Saturday, October 8.
READ MORE: Fugitive murderer Lee Nevins still at large almost one week on from prison escape
A Derbyshire Police spokeswoman said: "Lee Nevins, who we were attempting to trace after he failed to return to HMP Sudbury, is no longer being sought by officers. He was located by officers from Northumbria Police in Washington on Saturday, October 8.
"Thank you to all who shared our appeal to trace him."
Nevins killed 20-year-old Lee in an unprovoked attack at his home on Gateshead's Leam Lane estate. He was convicted of murder along with accomplice Mark Lang and jailed for life.
On Saturday, April 8, 2006, Lee invited friends to his flat, on Cotemede, for some drinks, but word of the gathering got out at the local pub, and after closing time Nevins, then 23, and Lang, 24, made their way to his home.
High on drink and drugs, the pair, who did not even know Lee, did not leave with the other guests, but stayed at the flat, where they launched their prolonged attack in the early hours. Lee died in hospital around three weeks later.
They pleaded not guilty but were convicted following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court. Nevins, who had previous convictions for violence, was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years in prison and Lang was sentenced to serve at least 16 years.
But in 2008, a huge manhunt was launched for Nevins after he got away after being taken from Frankland Prison to Sunderland Royal Hospital after suffering a hand injury. He was on the run for six days before Northumbria and Central Scotland police caught him at an address in Tillicoultry, near Stirling, Scotland.
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