Police widen search for Scots machete fugitive

Jonathan Kelly, including the new artists impression. Picture: SWNS

Jonathan Kelly, who is known to use at least three aliases, has been missing since September after breaching his prison release conditions.

Police yesterday issued an artist’s impression as part of a renewed appeal for information about Kelly, who they believe may have travelled across the Border to England or Dublin. They also believe he is being helped to evade detection.

The 34-year-old, who has featured among BBC Crimewatch’s Most Wanted, was released from Low Moss Prison, near Glasgow, on 21 August.

But he had his licence revoked after failing to comply with imposed conditions, and has not been seen since 10 September.

Police said that “extensive inquiries” had taken place to track him, but they had proved unsuccessful.

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Detective Superintendent Stephen Grant said: “We are issuing this image with a plea to the communities across the UK for their assistance in tracing Jonathan Kelly. He has been unlawfully at large since 10 September and it is imperative that we trace him.

“A number of police officers continue to work on this inquiry with assistance by specialist colleagues from within our organisation, and we are assisted by colleagues in other law enforcement agencies across the UK.

“I would advise people not to approach him but to contact police if they see him. Any sightings should be reported to police or give your information to Crimestoppers.”

Armed officers sealed off part of a street in Glasgow’s Govanhill area in September amid reports Kelly was staying at a flat in the area. However, at the end of the seven-hour operation, he was nowhere to be found.

In October, it was reported that Kelly was in Edinburgh. However, police now believe he may have left Scotland altogether.

There have been no confirmed sightings of him.

Kelly has served time in prison for a number of violent offences, including a machete attack which left his victim paralysed.

There have been calls for an inquiry into his release and subsequent disappearance once he has been caught by police.

Kelly is around 5ft 11in in height with short brown hair and a heavy build.

Police believe his appearance may have changed and he may have grown a beard.

He is known to use a number of aliases, including Donald Cameron, Jon Kerr and Jonathon Donnelly.

The Crimestoppers charity has offered £5,000 reward for information leading to Kelly’s arrest.

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