Police in Derbyshire have launched a major manhunt after a prisoner escaped from HMP Sudbury by scaling a perimeter fence.
Details of the Sudbury Prison Escape
The incident occurred at the open prison on the evening of Thursday, 17 December 2025. Authorities report that Ethan Black, aged 36, climbed the fence and fled the facility at approximately 8.15pm.
Black is serving an indeterminate sentence, imposed at Warrington Crown Court in 2006 for a section 18 grievous bodily harm offence. This type of sentence is reserved for individuals deemed a danger to the public and does not have a fixed release date.
Public Warning and Description
Derbyshire Constabulary has issued a clear warning to the public not to approach Ethan Black if they see him. Instead, anyone with information should contact the force immediately.
He is described as being around 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slim build, brown hair, and blue eyes. A distinctive "EFC" tattoo is visible on his right arm. Police intelligence suggests he has known connections to several areas, including:
- Widnes in Cheshire
- Dudley
- Liverpool
- Grimsby
- Hastings
How to Report Information
The search for the escaped inmate is ongoing. Members of the public can assist the investigation by providing information through official channels. You can contact Derbyshire Police by:
- Visiting their official website.
- Using the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page.
- Calling the non-emergency number 101.
Officers are urging anyone who spots Black or has knowledge of his whereabouts to get in touch without delay, while reiterating the importance of not confronting him directly.
