A TRIAL is due to begin of two men accused of attempting to escape from one of the region’s prisons.
Ifzal Zafar, 27, and William Downes, 31, were reported missing from HMP Kirklevington Grange, near Yarm, Stockton, on May 21 last year, but later recaptured by prison staff.
The pair, currently serving prisoners at HMP Northumberland, deny attempting to escape from lawful custody.
Two other men have already admitted the charge and are awaiting sentence.
Mr Zafar briefly appeared before Judge John Walford at Teesside Crown Court on Monday (September 8), although Mr Downes was not present.
He was ordered by the judge to be produced on Tuesday morning when the two men’s trial is due to start.
Kirklevington is described by the Home Office as a resettlement prison for prisoners who intend to settle in the North-East on their release.
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