Killer on the run from prison as victim's family of 'horrific' murder are 'terrified'

Police have launched an urgent appeal for a man on the run as his victim's family says they have been "torn apart".

Vincent Raymond Lee, who is serving a life sentence for murder, failed to return to prison on Thursday, August 7. The 63-year-old murderer had been granted permission to temporarily leave HMP Sudbury for a period of time. Lee was sentenced in 1987 for the horrific murder of Ann Worrell, 43, in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.

Lee has previously also broken his licence conditions while released from prison. It comes after a boy, 5, is murdered by kidnappers because his mum couldn't pay a £39 ransom.

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The murderer killed Ann at her home in June 1986 by dragging her unconscious body to her bed and setting it alight. She woke up mid-attack and the prosecutor, at the trial, said she suffered a "horrific death".

Lee had considered Ann to be like his "own mother" and was grandmother to his child. Ann's daughter Mandy told WalesOnline that her family was terrified her mum's killer was on the run.

She said: "The family are torn apart by this news again as he absconded seven years ago. I wouldn't want another family to go through what me and my family has been through over the years. It's terrifying for us knowing that he is still on the run somewhere."

Reports from the time said the judge told Lee he would serve a minimum of 15 years. Judge Anthony Evans said: "This was in itself an horrific crime, and it was the result of an evil act on your part.

"Setting fire to that house was not only sufficient to kill Ann Worrell it also created a risk to neighbouring houses. And, as such, the way you killed her was one deserving of extra punishment."

Judge Evans also told the murderer he was "an absolute menace to the community in which you lived". In 2018, Lee was released on licence from HMP Cardiff but breached his licence conditions and was recalled back to prison.

Lee is described as white and 5ft 5ins tall. He is bald on top with grey hair on the sides and was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, grey Nike tracksuit bottoms, black boots and blue and black glasses.

Derbyshire Police said: "We are appealing for information after a convict failed to return to HMP Sudbury. Vincent Lee did not return to the open prison on Thursday 7 August after a period of temporary release on licence. He is serving a life sentence for murder."