John Patrick Hannan

John Patrick Hannan is an Irish prison fugitive who holds the record for the longest escape from custody. In December 1955, Hannan escaped Verne Prison, located on the Isle of Portland, along with his fellow inmate Gwynant Thomas. Assuming he is still alive, Hannan has been on the run for nearly seventy years.[1] In 2001, Hannan overtook double killer Leonard Fristoe's record of 45 years and 11 months as a fugitive. In 1998, Dorset Police appealed directly to Hannan to give himself up, writing in a service newsletter: "If you read this Mr. Hannan please write in, we'd love to hear from you."[2]

John Patrick Hannan
Born1933
DisappearedDecember 1955 (1955-12)
NationalityIrish
OccupationFugitive
Known forSuccessfully escaping HM Prison The Verne in 1955

Escaping the Verne

Hannan was sentenced to 21 months of imprisonment for stealing a car and assaulting two police officers, but escaped from the facility with fellow inmate Gwynant Thomas after 30 days by using a knotted bedsheet to climb over the wall. After escaping, they burgled a nearby petrol station and stole overcoats, beer, and cigarettes before leaving the isle. Thomas, who was also 22, was detained and returned to the prison within 16 hours after being seen by a lorry driver.[3]

See also

References
  1. Boyle, Danny. "World's most successful prison fugitive has been on the run for 60 years". Telegraph. Retrieved 2016-01-05.
  2. "53 years on outside for prison escapee".
  3. Lee Moran (4 January 2016). "World's Most Elusive Fugitive Has Now Been On The Lam For 60 Years". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2016-01-05.
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