A MISSING prisoner who escaped from HMP Leyhill last month has been picked up just six miles from the jail he fled.

Dean Evans, from Hampshire, was arrested in Alveston yesterday after two weeks on the run and today charged with escaping lawful custody.

The 36-year-old absconded from the open prison in Tortworth, South Gloucestershire on Monday, April 21.

It was thought he may have been heading towards Hampshire, possibly travelling by train or hitch-hiking on the motorways.

He was originally jailed for offences of threats to kill, assault and criminal damage in Southampton in 2006 and police had advised members of the public not to approach him.

He was recalled to prison in 2011 after breaching the terms of his release on licence.

Mr Evans was due in North Avon Magistrates’ Court today.