Police launch manhunt for violent fugitives (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Police launch manhunt for violent fugitives

7:00am Monday 14th May 2012 in Bradford Exclusive By Steve Wright, Crime Reporter

Police today urged the public to help trace three Bradford men who have disappeared after being released from prison on licence.

The fugitives, who include two vicious robbers, face being recalled to jail after breaching the terms of their licence.

Detective Inspector Nicola Bryar, of Bradford South CID, said: “These men have breached the conditions of their licence and have been recalled to prison.

“If they are not prepared to adhere to the strict guidelines then they must be brought to justice.”

The wanted men include 23-year-old Daniel Lowther, of Bierley House Avenue, Bierley, who was sentenced to four years and eight months’ jail – with an extended 28-month licence period – in December 2009 for three robberies.

One of Lowther’s victims, a man in his 50s, suffered a fractured cheekbone when he was punched in the face and kicked in what Judge Shaun Spencer QC described as “serious and gratuitous violence”.

As he fled, Lowther grabbed a woman’s handbag and pulled her over. He also robbed a takeaway driver in Holme Wood.

His probation officer said he posed a high risk of causing serious harm to people. He was released on a home detention curfew licence on April 5, but breached it three days later.

Also on the run is Adam Coleman, 27, of Hendford Drive, Pollard Park, who confronted an elderly farmer at his isolated farmhouse, claimed to have a gun and threatened to shoot him.

Coleman, who also has links to Eccleshill, was jailed for two and a half years in October 2010, after pleading guilty to two robberies, blackmail, theft and driving while disqualified.

The robbery – described by the judge as extremely unpleasant – was committed only four days after he was granted bail for the other offences.

Coleman was released on licence on January 11, but probation issued a recall for poor behaviour on April 26.

The third wanted man is 22-year-old Thomas Stainsby, of Downing Close, Barkerend, who received a 33-month prison sentence in October 2009 for house burglaries, and aggravated vehicle taking. He failed to comply with probation, which agreed to recall him on January 26.

Det Insp Bryar said: “If they are prepared to ignore their probation terms, then they must be removed from our streets.”

Anyone with information should ring 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: steve.wright@telegraphandargus.co.uk