Rapist 'ran under speeding train'

A convicted rapist absconded from an open prison and ran into the path of a high speed train, an inquest has heard.

Gary Carter, 23, disappeared from Leyhill Open Prison in South Gloucestershire at 1830 BST on 3 June.

An inquest jury in Bristol heard he was hit by a train travelling at 90mph two hours later.

Carter, originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was serving a life sentence for rape and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Multiple injuries

Carter was convicted at Preston Crown Court in February 1997, and had been transferred to HMP Leyhill shortly before his death because of his "exemplary behaviour".

Train driver Stephen Blagg told the inquest he saw a man run "straight into the path of the train" at Rangeworthy, four miles from the prison.

He said: "The man was aware of it (the train) and sprinted in the direction of the train."

Carter died from multiple injuries and was identified by fingerprints.

He escaped and died on his mother June Morrison's birthday - a note found in his cell drawer read "Happy Birthday, Mam. Sorry".

Roll call

Fellow inmate, Craig Ledbury said Carter used to talk about breaking free but he thought he was "just joking".

He said he saw Carter walking towards the prison site boundary at about 1830 BST on the day of his disappearance.

Deputy Prison Governor Martin Crabb told the inquest the prison realised Carter was missing at 2300 BST on 3 June.

A roll call at 2045 BST recorded that Carter was present but Mr Crabb acknowledged this must have been a mistake.

The inquest continues.