He was last seen leaving Maghaberry Prison on 2 September.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are working with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Prison Service to locate a prisoner who is currently “unlawfully at large”.
56-year-old John Clifford had been out of custody and permitted to attend an appointment on Sunday, but then failed to return to the prison in Lisburn on Monday evening.
Clifford has been described as 1.75m tall, with a fresh complexion, medium build, green eyes and fair hair.
He was jailed for life for the murder of his eight-year-old niece Sue Ellen Clifford back in 1988. He was also convicted of other charges including cruelty to children and indecent assault.
He was reportedly released from prison in 2005 but jailed again in 2007 for breaching the terms of his probation.
According to PSNI Inspector Paul Noble, Clifford was last seen using “a distinctive three-wheel mobility scooter bearing the registration plate EXZ4974.”
At the time of his release, he was wearing a black beanie style hat, heavy black coat, grey trousers and black dress shoes.
“Members of the public or anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact us immediately on 101,” Inspector Noble concluded.
The Department of Justice has also released some of Clifford’s distinguishing marks, including a scar on his abdomen and tattoos on his right arm, right hand, left hand, and left arm.
“The Prison Service is investigating the circumstances surrounding the abscondment of John Clifford,” a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prison Service said.
“At this time we are focused on returning him to custody and we would ask anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.”
Main image via Department of Justice
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