'Dangerous' inmate who absconded from Boston prison given life sentence after offending while on the run
A ‘dangerous’ prisoner who absconded from an open prison near Boston last year has been handed a life sentence after committing several offences while on the run.
Neil Trennan, 61, of North Sea Camp, at Freiston, Lincolnshire, was on day release from the category D prison on July 10 when he failed to return.
Trennan travelled to Sheffield where he trespassed and burgled a property in Nether Edge, armed with a knife, South Yorkshire Police said. He had additionally intended to commit a sexual offence against a person at the address, the force added.
Following a manhunt involving several forces, Trennan was arrested by North Yorkshire Police in York on July 13.
After his arrest, Trennan was searched and found to be in possession of a knife.
He was charged with remaining unlawfully at large after recall to prison, possession of a knife in a public place, aggravated burglary, and knowingly trespassing on premises with intent to commit a sexual offence.
At his police interview in Sheffield on July 14, Trennan provided no comment to all questions.
Officers carried out extensive CCTV enquiries which provided evidence of Trennan at the location of the burglary. He was also positively identified by witnesses.
Trennan pleaded guilty to the offences, having changed his plea for aggravated burglary and trespassing on premises with intent to commit a sexual offence from not guilty on February 24. He was sentenced yesterday (Wednesday, February 25) at Sheffield Crown Court to life imprisonment with a minimum jail term of 10 years.
Det Con Liz Jeffery, the officer in charge of the case, said: “I cannot imagine the fear that Trennan’s victim was put through when he entered their property with a knife.
“They have shown incredible bravery in facing their attacker in court and I hope that today’s result brings them some sense of closure.
“Trennan is a dangerous man, and I am glad that he has been sent back to prison where he belongs.”
Trennan was additionally charged with sexual assault on a female, and attempted rape. He pleaded not guilty to these offences, and they will remain on file.