Praise for jail after pair flee

Frank Dalton (left) and Jason Millard absconded from the prison on Sunday

A Lincolnshire prison has been praised for improvements in a report released days after two rapists absconded.

Jason Millard and Frank Dalton, both serving life sentences, have been on the run from HMP North Sea Camp open prison near Boston since Sunday.

Police have warned the public not to approach the pair.

The HM Inspectorate of Prisons report praised low abscond rates, regular reviews of prisoner risks and "appropriate" levels of security.

Police said Millard, 40, from the Milton Keynes area, and 42-year-old Dalton, from Redcar, Teesside, could have hitched a lift from a passing driver before returning to their homes.

More investment needed

The report was based on an unannounced visit to the prison, which can house 318 adult and young adult male prisoners, in May.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dame Anne Owers, said the one of the main security concerns was prisoners absconding, but added these were within target levels and praised the "dynamic" security.

Ms Owers called for more investment in the prison.

She said: "North Sea Camp had improved since our last visit, although it still struggled to work effectively with significant numbers of short-term prisoners who were not able to make the best use of its regime.

"Much of the accommodation remained badly in need of refurbishment. Despite these difficulties, we found much to commend and the prison was an essentially safe, relaxed and purposeful place.

"It would, therefore, be a great pity if this progress was not matched by some much needed investment in the prison's physical fabric."

Police are urging people to contact them if they spot Millard or Dalton, and not to approach the pair.

Millard is described as about 5ft 3in and of medium build, with grey hair and a full grey beard.

Dalton is described as 5ft 5in, with blue eyes and receding brown hair.