Robber absconds from open prison

The public are warned not to approach Andrew Phillips

Police are hunting a convicted robber, who has failed to return to an open prison in Monmouthshire.

Andrew Clifford Phillips, 40, originally of Pentwyn, Cardiff, failed to return to HMP Prescoed on Saturday.

He was jailed for 11 years for robbery in May 2005 and Cardiff Crown Court was told he had a record of 100 previous offences, including violence.

Gwent Police say he is white, medium build, 1.75m tall with cropped hair and has tattoos on his neck and forearm.

He was last seen wearing a blue Next t-shirt, blue Wrangler jeans and black and silver Nike trainers.

A police spokesman warned the public not to approach him and said it was believed there may be a potential risk due to the fact that he is no longer in the custody of the prison service.

Gwent Police said he is not a sex offender.

Phillips was convicted of actual bodily harm after mugging a 50-year-old man in Cardiff Bay, who fell back onto the pavement and was left unable to walk.

The prosecution called it a "senseless attack" and the judge said it had a "catastrophic effect" on the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838111.