Twin prison deceit

Published on 12/07/2009 00:30

A MAN escaped from custody after switching identities with his twin brother, police said last night.

Simon Peter Maclellan, 27, from Gosport, Hampshire, has not been seen since Friday afternoon when he was released by magistrates.

Maclellan, who was on remand at HMP Winchester in connection with a serious assault, walked from court when he pretended to be his non-identical twin, Mark, who is also on remand at the same prison for a less serious offence, said Hampshire Police.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with aiding and abetting the escape.

The deceit was discovered on Friday night by prison officials, who alerted police shortly after 9pm.