Violent drug dealer Elliot Riley remains on the run 12 months after escaping from HMP Kirkham, GB News can reveal.
The 32-year-old, who escaped from the Category D prison when GB News was covering the early release of convicts last October, had been sentenced to spend eight years behind bars following a major drug-busting operation by Greater Manchester Police.
However, Riley was not included in the crop of convicts leaving the Lancashire clink early and made a break for it 365 days ago.
He was spotted clambering the barbed-wire-topped fence before a waiting vehicle drove him away from the scene.
Lancashire Police immediately launched a search operation to recapture the 32-year-old.
While Lancashire Police and the Ministry of Justice said at the time that they were “urgently working” to recapture the inmate, GB News can confirm that the search continues.
Riley was found guilty of conspiracy to supply drugs and possession of criminal property.
He was sentenced in April 2024 as part of Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Bowler drugs sting.
The conspiracy, which resulted in 16 men being jailed, ran between September 2021 and July 2022.
Elliot Riley fled HMP Kirkham in October last year | GMPThe group were responsible for the movement of at least 75 kilograms of high-purity cocaine, which had an estimated street sale value of £75million.
When officers attempted to arrest Riley, the scantily-clad 32-year-old attempted to flee their clutches in his underwear.
Riley sustained several minor injuries, including small cuts on his hands, when he tried to destroy two mobile phones, which were later recovered by the police.
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Despite his involvement in drug-related crime, Riley was serving his sentence at the Category D prison.
HMP Kirkham allows inmates who are deemed to pose a low risk to roam around in lower security conditions.
Offenders who abscond from an open prison are usually excluded from returning to an open prison for at least two years following their recapture.
A Prison Service spokesman said: “We’re urgently working with the police to recapture this prisoner.
“Absconds are rare, but those who break the rules face tough consequences including being moved to tougher conditions and extra jail time.”
A dozen inmates escaped from prison in the 12 months to March 2025, with two still at large 30 days after escape.
HMP Kirkham | WIKIMEDIA COMMONSOver the same period, 57 inmates had absconded from lower category prisons, including Riley.
More than 260 inmates were also released in error in the 12 months to March 2025.
Lancashire Police was also unable to provide an update on Riley's whereabouts.